KC Reporter

A Mexican national residing illegally in Kansas City, Missouri, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole for possessing a firearm and ammunition unlawfully. The sentencing took place today in federal court.

Mario Alberto Hernandez-Lugo, aged 39, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. On August 1, 2024, Hernandez-Lugo pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He admitted to having a Beretta 9mm pistol along with .45 caliber and 9mm ammunition at the time of his arrest during a traffic stop by Independence, Missouri Police Officers on May 28, 2023.

Federal law prohibits any alien who is knowingly illegally or unlawfully present in the United States from possessing firearms or ammunition. Hernandez-Lugo acknowledged his illegal status in the country and that he had been deported and removed from the United States on seven separate occasions prior to this incident.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Kansas City and Independence Police Departments along with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting community-based violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.