Hector Fernando Rodriguez-Neri, Weapons Violations, Texas 2024

Laredo residents admit to weapons violations in a shocking turn of events, leaving authorities stunned. Hector Fernando Rodriguez-Neri, a 20-year-old Mexican citizen unlawfully in the United States, and Gaona, a 26-year-old convicted felon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

According to federal law, both defendants are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to their status. However, on March 31, Rodriguez-Neri and Gaona were in possession of a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition, which they sold to undercover authorities for $1,300. Rodriguez-Neri also admitted to selling two machine guns, one of which had an obliterated serial number, on April 27 and May 7 for a total of $5,600.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Rodriguez-Neri also admitted to five additional counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, two counts of transferring a machine gun, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has set sentencing for December 7. At that time, both men face up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Rodriguez-Neri’s other convictions carry the same penalties, but he also faces up to five years for the possession count involving an obliterated serial number.

They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case highlights the severity of weapons violations and the importance of strict enforcement of federal laws. Both defendants will face the consequences of their actions in court.

Defendant information:

Defendant: Hector Fernando Rodriguez-Neri (20) and Gaona (26)
Exact criminal charges: Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, transferring a machine gun, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
City and state: Laredo, Texas
Exact date: March 31 (crime date)
Sentence or outcome: Up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine
Dollar amounts: $1,300 (sale of semi-automatic rifle and ammunition), $5,600 (sale of two machine guns)

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