Tatenda Banga Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges Following…

Tatenda Banga, a Zimbabwean citizen, pleaded guilty to illegal border crossings and possession of firearms and drugs. He was caught twice in 2024 near the Washington-Canada border. His sentencing is scheduled for June 12, with potential severe penalties including up to 15 years for firearm possession and up to 20 years for drug-related charges.

Tatenda Banga, a citizen of Zimbabwe, recently pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to illegal border crossings and related firearm and drug charges. On surveillance cameras, Banga was observed near Hozomeen, Washington, in 2024, leading to his arrest. He faces charges for being an unauthorized alien in possession of firearms and for drug possession with the intent to distribute.

The plea agreement indicated that on January 3, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol captured a photo of Banga, armed with a shotgun, as he crossed from Canada into the U.S. This event was accompanied by his actions of defacing a surveillance camera. Although he fled into the woods, agents found a loaded shotgun matching the one he used, which traced back to a dealer in Montreal.

On December 27, 2024, further surveillance by the National Park Service indicated unauthorized cross-border activity. Banga was later identified on Highway 20 by Border Patrol, who found him without documents proving legal entry into the U.S. In his possession were scales, gelatin capsules, and approximately 1.4 pounds of MDMA. Fingerprints from the shotgun linked Banga to the earlier incident of defacing cameras.

The charges against Banga could lead to significant prison time; illegal possession of a firearm by an unlawful alien may result in a 15-year sentence, while drug possession with intent to distribute could incur a 20-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead will determine the final sentence taking into account the guidelines and statutory factors. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, National Park Service, and ICE HSI, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Collins.

Tatenda Banga’s guilty plea highlights serious consequences for illegal border activity and possession of firearms and drugs. His case underscores the collaborative efforts of multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol and National Park Service, in addressing cross-border crime. The forthcoming sentencing will reflect the gravity of his offenses, demonstrating the legal repercussions of such actions.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com