A Mexican national previously deported after an attempted sexual assault conviction faces decades in prison after being caught illegally in the U.S. with multiple firearms.
At a Glance
- Teodoro Diaz-Ochoa, 44, was indicted by a Tucson grand jury for illegal reentry after deportation and firearms possession
- Diaz-Ochoa was previously deported in 2016 following a felony conviction for attempted sexual assault
- Arizona Game and Fish officers discovered him with a rifle and ammunition during a hunting investigation
- Federal agents later found a shotgun and additional ammunition at his residence
- He faces up to 35 years in prison and $500,000 in fines for the combined offenses
Deported Felon Caught With Multiple Weapons
A grand jury in Tucson has formally indicted Teodoro Diaz-Ochoa, a 44-year-old Mexican national, on multiple immigration and firearms violations. The indictment, announced last week by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, charges Diaz-Ochoa with illegally reentering the United States after deportation and possessing firearms and ammunition as both a convicted felon and an undocumented immigrant. These serious federal offenses carry potential prison sentences totaling 35 years if he is convicted on all counts.
Diaz-Ochoa first came to the attention of authorities on January 22, 2025, during what officials described as a suspected hunting investigation. Arizona Game and Fish Department officers encountered the suspect in circumstances that prompted further inquiry into his background and legal status. The routine investigation quickly escalated when officers discovered Diaz-Ochoa’s criminal history and immigration status, leading to a more comprehensive federal investigation involving multiple agencies.
Criminal History and Weapons Discovery
According to court documents, Diaz-Ochoa has a significant criminal record in the United States. Federal prosecutors revealed that he was previously convicted of attempted sexual assault, a felony offense that led to his removal from the country. “Diaz-Ochoa was previously convicted of attempted sexual assault, a felony, and was removed from the U.S. on April 22, 2016,” prosecutors said.
Despite his deportation and legal prohibition from reentering the United States, Diaz-Ochoa returned to the country illegally. The severity of the charges escalated significantly when authorities discovered weapons in his possession. During their initial encounter, officers found that Diaz-Ochoa had access to significant firepower. “Authorities found Diaz-Ochoa had a Savage bolt action rifle as well as 80 rounds of ammunition, prosecutors said.”
Federal Investigation Uncovers Additional Weapons
The initial discovery of weapons prompted a more thorough investigation by federal authorities. Two months after the first encounter, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Diaz-Ochoa’s residence. The search yielded additional evidence of firearms violations. During this operation, agents discovered more weapons in the defendant’s control, significantly adding to the charges against him.
As a previously deported felon, Diaz-Ochoa faces particularly severe penalties under federal law. The illegal reentry charge alone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, the firearms possession charges could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment and another $250,000 fine. Federal sentencing guidelines typically consider factors such as prior criminal history, which may further impact any potential punishment if he is convicted.
Part of Nationwide Initiative
Federal authorities have indicated that the Diaz-Ochoa case is not an isolated prosecution but rather part of a coordinated national effort. “Authorities said this case is part of a nationwide initiative called Operation Take Back America.”
Operation Take Back America focuses on identifying and prosecuting individuals who have illegally reentered the United States after deportation, particularly those who pose potential public safety risks through criminal activity or weapons possession. The initiative represents a coordinated approach across multiple federal agencies to address illegal immigration in conjunction with other federal crimes. This case highlights the ongoing focus on previously deported individuals who return to the United States and engage in additional criminal activity.
