Fresno Antiviolence Operation Nets 2 Federal Indictments for Gun Offenses

A joint local and federal law enforcement antiviolence effort in Fresno resulted in grand jury indictments Thursday against two local men on gun-related charges, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced in a press release.

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Lane Kelly Whittenberg, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and Simon Meza Jr., 38, was indicted for being a felon in possession of ammunition found in a loaded gun. Both have prior convictions on firearms charges.

“We are fully committed to working with local law enforcement in the City of Fresno and Fresno County to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Scott in a news release.

Indictments

According to court documents, Whittenberg was involved in a verbal dispute in late October at a restaurant and was observed to be in possession of a gun. As police approached the restaurant, they reported hearing two gun shots, which they later attributed to by Whittenberg. Authorities said police found a handgun on the front seat of Whittenberg’s car. He has been convicted previously of evading arrest and robbery in 2014 and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2018.

The Attorney’s Office said Meza was apprehended after an attempted traffic stop, followed by a pursuit. After Meza’s abandoned his vehicle, officers found him hiding nearby. Court document said Meza was seen discarding a bag containing a loaded firearm and a wallet with his ID card inside. Meza has multiple prior convictions for illegal weapons and drug possession, the release said.

Maximum Penalty of 10 Years

If convicted, Whittenberg and Meza face maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.