BERKELEY COUNTY- A cooperation agreement between the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement has helped lead to the rapid capture of an illegal immigrant who tried to purchase a gun.
On April 9, Berkeley County Sheriff Deputies assigned to the Berkeley County ICE Task Force assisted in the apprehension of Mauricio Melendez-Bangas (23 YOA Male), an individual unlawfully present in the United States.
Melendez-Bangas came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force in Martinsburg after attempting to unlawfully purchase a Glock 19 handgun. A background check confirmed he was prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms, prompting notification to the ATF…