Daniel Gallegos, Selling Firearms to Prohibited Person, Texas 2021

McALLEN, Texas – Daniel Gallegos, the 67-year-old owner and operator of Danny’s Pawn and Sporting Goods in McAllen, has admitted to charges of providing ammunition to a prohibited person. U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced the plea.

Gallegos pleaded guilty to selling thousands of rounds of various ammunition, including 280 rounds of .50 BMG caliber ammunition and over 5,000 rounds of various sizes, ranging from .223 caliber to .50 caliber. He provided all of it to someone he knew to be a prohibited person – an individual who was illegally and unlawfully present in the United States – on four separate occasions during 2021.

Gallegos also admitted that he knew the person was prohibited under federal law from possessing the ammunition because the individual was illegally present in the United States. This knowledge underscores the severity of Gallegos’ actions and the consequences of his plea.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing on October 18. At that time, Gallegos faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10,000 maximum fine. These penalties serve as a stark reminder of the gravity of Gallegos’ crimes and the importance of upholding federal laws.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra, Jr. prosecuting the case. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating firearms-related crimes.

The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Guardian, launched in November 2019, which targets firearms and illegal export of firearms. On April 8, 2021, President Biden issued executive orders specifically targeting crimes involving guns. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing firearms-related issues and ensuring public safety.

Gallegos’ case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of selling firearms to prohibited individuals. The upcoming sentencing will provide further insight into the severity of the penalties for such crimes.

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