Fernando Jesus Villegas Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal Prison

Fernando Jesus Villegas federal sentencing follows church gun incident

Fernando Jesus Villegas, 41, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to 77 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.

According to public records, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded May 21, 2025, to a church near the intersection of S. Shartel Avenue and SW 25th Street after reports of an armed intruder. Witnesses told police that Villegas forced his way into the church basement where multiple adults and children were gathered and demanded assistance hiding from authorities.

Church members reported that Villegas brandished a handgun, pointing it at one individual and waving it in the air. When officers arrived, Villegas fled the building but was quickly located and arrested nearby. Officers recovered a handgun from his front pocket during the arrest.

Federal charge of felon in possession of a firearm

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Fernando Jesus Villegas on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of federal law enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Villegas pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, admitting he possessed a firearm despite multiple prior felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court. Those convictions include possession of drug proceeds, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and aggravated eluding a police officer.

Judge cites public safety concerns at sentencing

During a February 18, 2026 hearing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Villegas to 77 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The court noted concerns about protecting the public given Villegas’ criminal history and prior convictions.

The case was investigated jointly by the ATF and the Oklahoma City Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols Jr.

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