In an ongoing effort to curb violent crime and gun violence, the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative continues to unite law enforcement at all levels with community partners. The program, led by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, focuses on strategic enforcement priorities to preemptively combat violence.
Recent Indictments and Legal Actions
Monte Shepherd, 53, from Rio Linda, was indicted on April 11, 2024, for possessing a stolen Ruger KP89 9 mm handgun. Shepherd, with a history of five felony convictions, was arrested on January 27, 2024. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and FBI collaborated on this investigation, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Cárdenas.
On April 18, 2024, Fresno residents Jeremy Goodwin Jr., 22, and Tionte Beard, 25, were each indicted. Goodwin was apprehended on March 2, 2024, with a 9 mm firearm and matching ammunition. Meanwhile, on November 7, 2023, Beard was found in possession of a handgun, an assault-style rifle, and various ammunition rounds at his home, along with posting images of the arms on Instagram. Both men are restricted from owning firearms and ammunition due to past felonies. The Fresno Police Department and federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, spearheaded these investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting both cases.
Additionally, Billy Fobbs, 24, from Sacramento, faced an indictment on April 4, 2024, for illegal ammunition possession. Court records reveal that Fobbs, barred from owning firearms or ammunition due to previous felony convictions, was found with 39 rounds of .300 caliber BLK ammunition on September 28, 2023. This case is a collaborative effort between ATF and the Sacramento Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau leading the prosecution.
Legal Consequences and Plea
Convicted felons found in possession of firearms or ammunition could face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000, though actual sentencing will vary based on judicial discretion and statutory guidelines. All accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In a related event, Sophondara Hun, 28, from Stockton, admitted guilt on April 25, 2024, for ammunition possession. Officers responding to a prowler report at an apartment complex found Hun with multiple .22 caliber bullets after he unlawfully entered through a window. Hun’s sentencing is scheduled for August 1, 2024, under U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta.
Sentencing Updates
Michael David Punzal Jr., 41, of Fairfield, received a combined sentence of five years and three months on April 9, 2024, for firearm possession and breaching supervised release terms. This follows a supervised release term from a previous conviction when a lawful search of his residence uncovered a Glock with an obliterated serial number.
Program Overview
Project Safe Neighborhoods, revitalized by the U.S. Department of Justice on May 26, 2021, under a new violent crime reduction strategy, aims to deepen community trust, support local violence prevention groups, and maintain focused law enforcement efforts to enhance neighborhood safety across the country.
