Mexican National and Prior Felon Sentenced After Shooting at Neighbor's Dog (DOJ)

TULSA, Okla. - A Mexican national living in the United States unlawfully and a prior felon was sentenced today after shooting at his neighbor's dog, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Edwin Soto, 28, for being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, and Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Soto was ordered to serve 52 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Upon his release, Soto is expected to face removal proceedings.

In August 2025, law enforcement officers responded to a "shots fired" call. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a witness who explained that someone shot at his dog. When officers spoke with Soto, he claimed that a dog defecated in his yard and was hesitant to answer any questions about firearms. After serving a search warrant on Soto's home, officers found four firearms.

When officers spoke with Soto, he stated the firearms were his and that he was not aware that he couldn't possess firearms. While booking Soto into jail, records showed that he is a citizen and national of Mexico by birth. Court records show that in 2020, Soto pleaded guilty in state court for discharging a weapon into a dwelling and was previously deported from the United States.

Soto will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel prosecuted the case.