Alarcon Faces Federal Gun Charge | Santa Fe News

Matthew Alarcon, accused of firing five shots at a deserted Catholic church in May, now faces federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm — a serious offense given his 2012 drug conviction. Police caught him at a gun store during a separate investigation, where they found a weapon matching shell casings from the church shooting. He claimed he acted out of religious conviction, calling himself “the chosen one.” While state charges — including desecration and tampering with evidence — remain pending, his state trial is on hold as authorities assess his mental fitness. If convicted federally, he could face up to 15 years in prison. The case is still unfolding. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9595f49456a95014