United States of America v. Zuemei Zhao

Salt Lake City, Utah, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession of a firearm by a restricted person (alien).

uemei Zhao, 54, of the People’s Republic of China, admitted that she illegally possessed a black Rossi Braztech Int’l .357 Magnum revolver pistol in Zhao’s checked luggage. Prior to delivering the suitcase to American Airlines, Zhao did not disclose the presence of the firearm to TSA or American Airlines. In addition to the firearm, Zhao had 9 rounds of .357 ammunition in her carry-on luggage. Zhao was taken into custody and $10,900 in cash was found hidden in her luggage. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and confirmed that Zhao arrived on a tourist visa, had a pending asylum application, and was not a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Zhao’s sentence was enhanced under the United States Sentencing Guidelines because the Court found that Zhao possessed the firearm in connection with other illegal conduct, commercial sex work.

First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy of the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

Zhao plead guilty and was sentenced to time served. S/R NONE. Fine and SAF of $10,900.00 currently held by the government. Forfeiture order docket number 35.