Venezuelan citizen sentenced to federal prison after illegally possessing and selling a firearm in New York

Albany, New York – A Venezuelan citizen who admitted to illegally possessing and selling a handgun while living unlawfully in the United States has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison, according to federal prosecutors in New York.

Yohandry Jose Molina-Camacho, 19, received his sentence on June 1, 2026, after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Officials said Molina-Camacho, a native and citizen of Venezuela, had been residing in the United States without legal authorization when the offense took place.

The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Court records show that Molina-Camacho admitted that in August 2025 he sold a Hi-Point CF380, .380-caliber pistol to another individual in exchange for $500. At the time of the transaction, he had reportedly been living in the United States illegally for approximately one year.

As part of his guilty plea, Molina-Camacho acknowledged that he knew his immigration status prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Despite that understanding, prosecutors said he knowingly maintained possession of the handgun before selling it.

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Federal law bars certain individuals, including those who are unlawfully present in the United States, from possessing firearms. Authorities said Molina-Camacho was fully aware of that restriction but chose to violate it.

Commenting on the case, First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the broader public safety concerns associated with illegal firearm possession.

“Thanks to the previous administrations failed border policies, criminal illegal aliens such as this defendant have been allowed to roam freely in our country,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Mr. Molina Camacho’s illegal possession of a firearm serves as a reminder of the risks posed when individuals engage in criminal activity while unlawfully present in this Country. Thanks to the work of the ATF, he will now be held accountable for his actions and will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.”

Federal officials indicated that, following the completion of his prison term, Molina-Camacho is expected to face immigration proceedings that could result in his removal from the United States.

ATF officials also stressed the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws against individuals who are prohibited from possessing weapons. Investigators said illegal firearm trafficking and unlawful gun possession remain significant concerns because they can contribute to violent crime and threaten community safety.

Bryan DiGirolamo, who oversees the ATF’s New York Field Division, praised the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for knowingly violating federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing and selling a firearm despite knowing he was prohibited from doing so. When prohibited individuals possess and traffic firearms, they put communities at risk. Thanks to ATF NY Albany, HSI, Albany PD & USAO NDNY. We will continue working to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and protect our communities from gun violence.”

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A.J. Vickey.

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Project Safe Neighborhoods serves as the Justice Department’s primary strategy for reducing violent crime across the country. The initiative combines the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with community organizations to identify the most pressing public safety challenges and develop targeted responses.

Rather than relying solely on prosecution, the program emphasizes a comprehensive approach that includes focused enforcement against violent offenders while also supporting prevention efforts and reentry programs designed to reduce repeat offenses. Federal officials have described the initiative as an evidence-based strategy intended to achieve lasting reductions in violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and community partners.

The sentencing of Molina-Camacho marks the conclusion of the federal criminal case stemming from his unlawful possession and sale of the handgun. Once his eight-month prison sentence has been served, immigration authorities are expected to begin deportation proceedings in accordance with federal law.