Emilio Padilla, Firearms Offense, Texas 2014

Convicted Felon Faces 21 Months in Prison

In a shocking turn of events, a federal jury in McAllen, Texas, convicted 24-year-old Emilio Padilla, a Mexican national, of two counts of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The verdict came after a two-day trial and less than an hour of deliberation on October 24, 2014.

Padilla, who is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison, was handed a 21-month sentence by Senior U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. The defense contended that Padilla had possessed the firearms to protect his family, but the jury saw it differently.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony from several law enforcement officers who stated they had met with Padilla at his residence in Alamo on April 29, 2014. At that time, he admitted to having several firearms, including two Glock 9mm pistols. Padilla was in the United States illegally and not permitted to possess firearms.

Agents conducted a search of the residence and discovered the weapons, which were manufactured in Austria and had traveled in interstate and foreign commerce. Padilla’s brother, Mariano Padilla, pled guilty to the same offense on June 6, 2014, and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Judge Randy Crane on October 22, 2014.

The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the San Juan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Leo III and David A. Lindenmuth prosecuted the case.

Padilla will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals who choose to disregard the law and possess firearms in the United States.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates on any further developments. For now, Emilio Padilla will serve his time, a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to the law and respecting the rights of others.

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