From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A 43-year-old undocumented individual pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and possession of child pornography on Thursday, March 24.
The plea agreement states that FBI agents executed a search warrant, in August 2019, for Zapata-Chairez’s residence in Birmingham based on an ongoing investigation related to internet communications concerning child pornography.
During the search, 0f Zapata-Chairez’s residence, two mobile phones, a laptop, and a Walther Smith and Wesson P22 semi-auto .22 caliber handgun were seized. The FBI contacted U.S. Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about Zapata-Chairez’s status in the United States and learned that he was a foreign national and citizen of Mexico. Additionally, after a forensic examination of the digital devices and an analysis of Zapata-Chairez’s online account, images and videos of child pornography were located.
HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) helped FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force investigate the case.