PROVO — An attempted murder charge filed against an illegal immigrant has been dismissed following the filing of illegal gun possession charges in federal district court.
Armando Morales, 42, had been charged in 4th District Court with second-degree felony attempted murder for allegedly trying to shoot a man in May.
Provo police say Morales fired at a man but missed, hitting the residence instead. Morales now faces two federal gun indictments, which were handed up Wednesday.
The first count charges Morales, an illegal immigrant, with possession of a .380 caliber handgun. The second count alleges Morales had an unregistered sawed-off shotgun, according to a federal indictment in U.S. District Court.
"We worked closely with local authorities on this case and a collective decision was made to take the case federally because of the potential penalties available if he is convicted," said U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Melodie Rydalch.
A two-day jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 2.