LAKE CHARLES — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

LAKE CHARLES – On September 16, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Fernando Mejia, 36, of Mexico, residing in Leesville, with Possession of a Firearm by an Alien. Mejia faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.

“Firearm possession by illegal aliens poses an unnecessary, unacceptable, and preventable danger, and this case presents the tragic consequences that can result,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Louisiana’s state, local, and federal law enforcement partners are actively investigating these matters when they arise, and this Office will continue to work with those law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal gun laws to protect our children and our communities.”

According to court documents, this investigation began when a child was accidentally shot inside a residence in Leesville on June 8, 2025. When law enforcement arrived on scene, their investigation found that Mejia had illegally acquired the weapon and was storing it in his residence when a child accessed the firearm and discharged it, striking another child. Subsequent investigation confirmed that Mejia is unlawfully present in the United States and prohibited from possessing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Border Patrol, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment.

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