CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Zachary James Hernandez, 43, of Cheyenne, was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records state that on March 27, 2023, Cheyenne police responded to reports of shots fired on the 800 block of West 6th Street. Witnesses reported Hernandez arrived at a residence, fired multiple shots and demanded an occupant come outside. He then forced the individual into his vehicle at gunpoint, pointed the firearm at another witness and fled the scene.
Police located Hernandez’s vehicle nearby and conducted a traffic stop. Officers arrested him and recovered a Sig Sauer SP 2340 .40-caliber pistol. During questioning, Hernandez admitted to being a felon and acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Hernandez was indicted on July 19, 2023, and transferred to federal custody in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 21. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced him on Nov. 14.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cheyenne Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which seeks to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering community trust, supporting prevention initiatives, focusing on strategic enforcement and measuring results. For more information, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
