Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Firearm Possession and Unlawful Reentry

State of VA - A Guatemalan national was sentenced today in Norfolk, Virginia, to eight years and 10 months in prison. This term is in addition to the two and a half years he has already served. The sentence was issued for being an undocumented individual in possession of a firearm and unlawfully reentering the United States following a previous removal.

According to court documents, 41-year-old Joel Guerra Eraso was removed from the United States in 2013. He subsequently reentered the country unlawfully. The sentencing follows a violent incident involving his wife on August 30, 2023.

Court records indicate that Guerra Eraso became angry when his wife was unable to engage in sexual activity due to back pain. He held her down to prevent her escape and battered her.

He then placed a firearm to her head and pulled the trigger twice, though the weapon failed to discharge. Guerra Eraso then pointed the gun at a pillow and fired, striking his wife's phone.

While incarcerated, Guerra Eraso violated a protective order by contacting the victim through other inmates. On July 22, 2024, he pled guilty in Northampton County to several charges. These included attempted first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent felony, maliciously shooting in a dwelling, and assault and battery of a family member.

Guerra Eraso had previous convictions for possession of cocaine and reckless handling of a firearm. The prior firearm incident involved him firing a gun multiple times inside a residence while intoxicated, causing his wife to hide in a closet. He remains subject to removal from the United States.

The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton D. LaForge.

It is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative that utilizes resources to address illegal immigration and protect communities from violent crime.