Two Visalia Felons Charged for Illegal Firearms Possession

FRESNO, Calif. – A federal grand jury charged Homero Borja, aka Stranger, 22, and Gomesindo Hernandez, aka Wacko, 21, both of Visalia, in separate indictments with being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

The indictment against Borja alleges that on April 25, 2012, he was in possession of a .32 caliber pistol. The indictment alleges that Borja has a prior felony conviction for child cruelty, possession of a dangerous weapon, obstruction, and sex with a minor three or more years younger.

The indictment against Hernandez alleges that on April 25, 2012, he was in possession of a .32-caliber pistol. The indictment alleges that Hernandez has a prior felony conviction for selling or furnishing marijuana.

The maximum statutory penalty for the charge is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, if convicted, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Visalia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the cases.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.