“The California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services is relied upon by investigators at every government level for assistance with crime scenes and processing evidence. The criminalists who conduct this invaluable work are to be commended for their contribution to our public safety and to criminal justice.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
FRESNO— On December 1, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Devin Michael Cuellar, 28, a transient, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, being a drug addict in possession of a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition, destruction of property, receipt of stolen property, theft, and making a false statement to Yosemite National Park rangers.
According to court documents, Cuellar, a convicted felon on parole, allegedly broke into a private residence at Koon Hollar Road in Wawona within Yosemite National Park and resided there without permission of the owner for several months during the summer of 2021. During that time, the residence was trashed, a toolbox, flat screen TV, wrought iron candle holders, tools, and other items were stolen from the residence, and items reported stolen from other victims in Wawona were found. A sawed-off shotgun with Cuellar’s DNA was found in the residence, along with ammunition. Cuellar is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he was previously convicted of carjacking and possessing controlled substances for sale and was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and heroin. In addition, Cuellar is alleged to have falsely stated to park rangers that he had not been at the residence.
This case is the product of an investigation by Yosemite National Park Service with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Forensic Services, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted, Cuellar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the two firearms offenses. He also faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of destruction of property and false statements; three years in prison for receipt of stolen property and one year in custody for theft.
