⏱ 2 min read
Gerard Santellano, a 36-year-old convicted felon from Eagle Pass, Texas, was found in possession of a .380 pistol during a lawful traffic stop on September 13, 2024. The stop was made just a week after Santellano was identified as the shooter in an attempted murder. He was arrested on the spot and later federally indicted on October 9, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge stemming from a 2013 felony conviction for second-degree robbery.
Santellano pleaded guilty to one count of the indictment on December 16, 2024. On August 6, U.S. District Chief Judge Alia Moses sentenced him to 12 years in federal prison and fined him $2,000. Additionally, Santellano must forfeit the pistol along with any related ammunition and firearm accessories.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuting. The sentence reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement and the courts view firearm possession by felons, particularly those linked to violent crimes.
The outcome of this case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Texas, particularly in regions like Eagle Pass, where the presence of illegal firearms can exacerbate existing criminal activity. By prosecuting cases like Santellano’s, federal and local law enforcement aim to reduce the availability of firearms to those who would use them to commit further crimes.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
