Christopher Tijerina, a 20-year-old Pharr resident, sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for organizing a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

A McAllen federal court has ordered Christopher Tijerina to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year-term of supervised release, for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez made the order on [No date provided], citing the serious nature of the conduct, the number of firearms involved, and the danger they pose to the community at large. The court further stated that being a good citizen requires being good to the whole community.

The investigation revealed that Tijerina coordinated an effort to obtain firearms that would then be exported to Mexico in January 2022. From January 31 to February 9, 2022, co-conspirators successfully purchased 13 firearms, including six 7.62mm AK-47 variant rifles, five 7.62mm AK variant pistols, one .40 caliber pistol, and one 9mm pistol. They also attempted to purchase three additional 7.62mm AK-47 variant rifles but were unsuccessful.

The purchases were made from local federal firearms licensees (FFLs) located in Hidalgo County. Tijerina admitted to recruiting individuals to purchase firearms for him, which were then used to straw purchase firearms on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form. Those individuals were eventually charged and convicted of straw purchasing firearms.

Co-conspirators, ranging in age from 19 to 23, have received sentences of up to 70 months in federal prison. Warrants remain outstanding for the arrests of Eduardo Guajardo, 26, and Jesus Alexis Martine, 20, both considered fugitives in the case.

Tijerina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The ATF conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter I. Brostowin and Sarina DiPiazza prosecuted the case.

Christopher Tijerina Defendant’s Name and Real Full Name: Christopher Tijerina

Exact Criminal Charges: Organizing several individuals and having them purchase several firearms which were bound for Mexico.

City and State: McAllen, Texas

Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: July 12, 2022 (pleaded guilty)

Sentence or Outcome: 78 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year-term of supervised release

Defendant’s Age: 20

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