Zimbabwean National Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Crimes in U.S.

Tatenda Banga, a 30-year-old Zimbabwean, pleaded guilty to federal felonies regarding illegal border crossings and firearm possession. He was apprehended in 2024 with a shotgun and MDMA after evading law enforcement. His sentencing is set for June 12, with potential penalties of up to 35 years in prison across the two charges.

Tatenda Banga, a Zimbabwean national, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday to two federal felonies related to his illegal border crossings into the United States from Canada. Observed on surveillance cameras in 2024 near Hozomeen, Washington, the 30-year-old admitted to being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.

The U.S. Border Patrol’s detection technology first captured Banga on January 3, 2024, armed with a longarm shotgun while crossing the border. Following his departure from the area, law enforcement discovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun abandoned nearby, later traced to a dealer in Montreal, with no fingerprints matching Banga immediately available.

On December 27, 2024, National Park Service personnel identified suspected cross-border activity, leading agents to find a canoe and other personal items near Ross Dam. Subsequently, while travelling on Highway 20, Border Patrol agents apprehended Banga, who did not provide any documents proving legal entry into the U.S. Upon arrest, he possessed scales, gelatin capsules, and about 1.4 pounds of MDMA.

Matching fingerprints from the shotgun recovered in January 2024 confirmed Banga’s identity, and additional evidence from his mobile phone linked him to the firearm. Since Banga unlawfully entered the U.S. while armed, he faces significant prison time. The charge of being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm carries up to 15 years, while possession with intent to distribute may result in a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Tatenda Banga’s case highlights the serious implications of illegal border crossings and associated criminal activities. His illegal entry into the U.S. while armed and the possession of controlled substances reflect significant legal violations. Scheduled for sentencing on June 12, the outcome will depend on guidelines set forth by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead, further emphasizing the enforcement of immigration and firearms laws.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com