Mexican National Indicted On Federal Gun & Narcotics Offenses

Sunday, June 22, 2025, 7:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

COLUMBUS, OH.- A 29-year-old Mexican national, illegally in the State of Ohio, is facing up to 35 years in federal prison after being charged in connection with opening fire in the parking lot of a local Columbus, Ohio, Taco Restaurant in April 2025.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the Southern District of Ohio returned an indictment charging Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, 29, a Mexican national, illegally residing in Columbus, Ohio, with one count of Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Cocaine and Methamphetamine.

Charging Information Unsealed In The Indictment

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that on April 11, 2025, following an apparent verbal altercation at the Taco Nice restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, Velasquez-Avecedo and another individual fired multiple gunshots from a motor vehicle while driving near the restaurant. It is further alleged that during a subsequent traffic stop following the shooting, local law enforcement Officers found Velasquez-Avecedo in possession of a handgun and 30 to 40 small baggies of cocaine and methamphetamine.

     The indictment also alleges that Velasquez-Avecedo is illegally in the United States, without obtaining permission or legal authorization, and has prior convictions, including assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

     If convicted at trial, Velasquez-Avecedo faces up to 15 years in federal prison on the charge of possessing a firearm by an illegal alien and up to 20 years in federal prison on the charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. When sentenced, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Velasquez-Avecedo’s prior criminal history.

     Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Velasquez-Avecedo would face immediate deportation proceedings and be removed from the United States.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”