SPRINGFIELD, MO. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Missouri, Western), published as received.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican national illegally residing in Reeds Spring, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to firearms and immigration offenses.
Jose Guadalupe Moreno-Malagon, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of firearms by an illegal immigrant, and one count of unlawful entry into the United States. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton.
On April 20, 2026, Moreno-Malagon contacted the Stone County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office to report that he was an “illegal alien” and wished to turn himself into authorities. Deputies responded to his residence and observed several firearms but were unable to verify his immigration status. On April 21, 2026, deputies returned to the residence and arrested Moreno-Malagon for being in the United States unlawfully and for illegally possessing firearms. Deputies seized two pistols and a semi-automatic rifle from Moreno-Malagon’s residence.
Moreno-Malagon’s sentencing has been set for April 7, 2027. Under federal statutes, Moreno-Malagon is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm in federal prison without parole, and up to six months imprisonment for unlawful entry into the United States. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Brown and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
