Mexican National Guilty of Gun Charges

LAREDO, Texas – A Mexican national has been convicted of gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Jose Angel Villarreal-Sanchez, 42, entered his guilty plea this morning before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo, in connection with having a firearm in violation of federal law.

The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.

According to court documents, following a tip, law enforcement went to Villarreal-Sanchez’s home in Laredo on May 14, 2015, where he had been living illegally for some time. It was there that agents discovered he possessed a pistol and a firearm in his bedroom, as well as three baggies of cocaine hidden in some chicken feed in his backyard.

Villarreal-Sanchez has been in custody since his arrest on May 14, 2015. He is set to face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine, during his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 7, 2015.

The discovery of the gun and cocaine at Villarreal-Sanchez’s home was a significant blow to the community, and it highlights the ongoing struggle with illegal firearms and narcotics in the region.

As a result of the guilty plea, Villarreal-Sanchez will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, where he will face the consequences of his actions. The case is a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in identifying and addressing illegal activity.

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