David Lara, Burglary, Texas 2020

DALLAS – A Lubbock man is headed to federal prison for a brazen burglary that saw him make off with 37 firearms. David Lara, 57, was sentenced to 120 months – ten years – in federal prison after pleading guilty to the theft, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced Thursday.

The crime occurred on June 28, 2020, amidst a string of similar burglaries targeting Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in and around Lubbock. Lara, along with an accomplice, targeted Gebo’s Distributing Inc., forcibly entering the building by prying back sheet metal. The pair then used a sledgehammer to smash glass display cases, systematically removing 37 firearms and stuffing them into a large bag.

The heist didn’t go entirely as planned. While fleeing the scene, the bag containing the stolen weapons was dropped, along with discarded gloves and ski masks. The Lubbock Police Department quickly recovered the abandoned evidence. Forensic analysis of the gloves revealed a direct DNA match to David Lara, immediately making him a prime suspect.

When confronted by investigators, Lara didn’t bother with denials. He confessed to his role in the burglary, effectively sealing his fate. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, receiving crucial assistance from the Lubbock Police Department. The collaborative effort built a solid case against Lara, leading to his conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Lara faced the full weight of the law. The ten-year sentence sends a clear message that targeting FFLs and stealing firearms will not be tolerated. The stolen weapons represent a significant threat to public safety, and this conviction removes them – and Lara – from the streets.

This case highlights the ATF’s ongoing commitment to combating illegal firearms trafficking and holding accountable those who seek to profit from violence. The agency continues to work closely with local law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks and prevent future burglaries of FFLs in communities across the Northern District of Texas. The investigation remains open to identify and prosecute Lara’s accomplice.

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