Albuquerque Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession

ALBUQUERQUE – A grim tale from the city’s gritty streets: Jesus Rodriguez, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., entered a guilty plea today in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court was notified by Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Special Agent in Charge Thomas G. Atteberry of the ATF, and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, III.

Rodriguez’s rap sheet reads like a horror story: he was arrested in April 2016 for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, charged on May 10, 2016, after being indicted. The indictment reveals a history of violence, including convictions for aggravated assault, auto burglary, battery, and child abuse.

Today’s proceeding saw Rodriguez admit to the charge. His fate hinges on whether he’s deemed an armed career criminal, which could mean a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years or even life imprisonment.

This case was a joint effort by ATF and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is the federal enforcer in this initiative targeting repeat violent offenders with the aim of keeping them away from New Mexico communities for as long as possible.

The grim initiative has seen success, but Rodriguez’s plea underscores the ongoing danger posed by armed felons. As sentencing approaches, Rodriguez stands as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who flout the law with deadly intent.

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