A Louisiana federal grand jury indicted a Leesville resident for possession of a firearm by an alien after an investigation that DOJ said began when a child was accidentally shot inside a residence.
What did the Department of Justice announce?
DOJ said Fernando Mejia, 36, was indicted for possession of a firearm by an alien. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that the investigation began after a child was accidentally shot inside a Leesville residence in June 2025.
What federal gun-law issue is involved?
Section 922(g) contains prohibited-person categories beyond felony convictions, including specified immigration-status categories. The government must prove the status and possession elements of the charged subsection.
Section 922(g) includes several prohibited-person categories beyond felony convictions. The government must prove the specific status charged and knowing possession under the applicable subsection.
Why this case matters for federal gun-charge research
This western district of louisiana matter is a current example of how federal prosecutors turn specific possession, transfer, trafficking, weapon-classification, or status allegations into firearm counts. For SEO shorthand, people often search “felony gun charge,” “federal gun charge,” or “gun indictment,” but the actual statute and procedural posture determine the legal exposure.
Case status and presumption of innocence
An indictment is a formal accusation returned by a grand jury. It is not evidence of guilt, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until guilt is established in court.
Related Gun Felony research
- Federal prohibited-person law: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
- Federal firearm penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924
- Federal firearm sentencing guide
- Felony gun charge guide
- 50-state gun-law directory
How to read a DOJ firearm press release
Press releases are useful starting points but are not substitutes for the indictment, complaint, plea agreement, verdict form, judgment, or appellate record. Gun Felony summarizes the government announcement in original language and links to the official source so readers can verify the current docket posture.