LUIS MEJIA-ALAS, a 30-year-old citizen of El Salvador, has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 29, 2025, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop Mejia-Alas’s pickup truck on NW 10th Street in Oklahoma City. According to court records, the vehicle fled and led officers on a brief high-speed chase before crashing into a cart return cage at a shopping center parking lot. Mejia-Alas then left the vehicle and tried to escape on foot but was apprehended shortly after. Officers found a firearm on the floorboard of his truck.
A federal Grand Jury indicted Mejia-Alas on March 18, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025, admitting both that he possessed the weapon and that he was in the United States illegally.
At his sentencing hearing held September 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton imposed the sentence of 20 months’ imprisonment. Judge Heaton referenced “the nature and circumstances of the offense” when announcing his decision.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” according to information provided by authorities.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
