A string of federal grand jury indictments in the Western District of Texas have resulted in 14 individuals facing various firearms-related offenses under Project Guardian.
The indictments, announced by U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer, were returned over the last seven days in San Antonio, Del Rio, Waco, and Pecos.
In San Antonio, the grand jury returned three Project Guardian indictments charging four defendants, including 39-year-old George Martinez, Jr., who faces up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. His criminal history includes a 2007 conviction in Bexar County for Assault Causing Bodily Injury to a Family Member as well as a 2017 felony drug possession conviction.
Martinez’s indictment is just one of the many cases being pursued under Project Guardian, a nationwide effort aimed at reducing the number of firearms being diverted to criminals. The initiative is a key part of the administration’s commitment to reducing violent crime and keeping Americans safe.
In Del Rio, the grand jury returned two indictments charging defendants with being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm. One indictment alleges that 49-year-old Mario Monreal-DeLeon, a Mexican citizen, possessed five firearms and approximately 175 rounds of ammunition he stole and attempted to smuggle into Mexico near the Eagle Pass area on August 23, 2020. The second indictment alleges that 33-year-old Israel Villa-Morguia, a Mexican citizen, possessed a .45 pistol and ammunition. Border Patrol agents discovered Villa-Morguia hiding in brush near the Uvalde Checkpoint on September 20, 2020.
In Waco, the federal grand jury returned indictments charging eight defendants with violations of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person who is either under indictment or a convicted felon. Two of the indictments relate to domestic violence offenses. In the first indictment, 43-year-old Luis Emetrio Gonzalez, of Belton, TX, faces up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Belton police officers responding to a family disturbance call on February 8, 2020, discovered Gonzalez in possession of an AR-15 rifle and a .380 caliber pistol. The criminal history for Gonzalez reveals three prior felony convictions for drug possession and burglary of a building dating back to 2007.
These cases are among approximately 350 pending illegal possession of firearms cases in the Western District of Texas, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on firearms trafficking and possession by prohibited individuals.
With these indictments, the administration reaffirms its commitment to keeping Americans safe and reducing the scourge of violent crime. As we continue to work towards a safer and more just society, we urge all individuals to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Defendant: George Martinez, Jr.
Criminal Charges: Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
City and State: San Antonio, TX
Date: Over the last seven days
Sentence or Outcome: Up to ten years in federal prison
Related Federal Cases
- Robert J. Thomas, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2023 · Texas
- Robert Lee, Possession and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Texas 2023 · Texas
- Javon Morse, Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm Possession, Norwich CT… · Texas
- Javier Martinez, AR-15 Assault on Law Enforcement, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Juan Carlos Hernandez, Assaulting an FBI Agent with a Firearm, Mesa… · Arizona
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
