Jairon Odair Pineda-Gomez, Firearm Possession, Texas 2023

HOUSTON – A 23-year-old Honduran citizen has admitted to committing two federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani today.

Jairon Odair Pineda-Gomez, a known member of the 18th Street gang, pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States and to unlawfully possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Pineda-Gomez was arrested in January 2021 for re-entering the country without permission. He was released on bond but cut off his ankle monitor and absconded, leaving charges pending.

Authorities apprehended him again in September 2022, this time for violating his bond conditions. When searched, they found a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol in his backpack.

Further investigation revealed that Pineda-Gomez had pointed the pistol at multiple individuals, including a 9-year-old child, in July 2022. He was also captured on surveillance video shooting a gun in the air.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted Pineda-Gomez’s plea and scheduled his sentencing for June 21. At that time, he will face up to 15 years in prison for the firearms conviction and up to two years for the illegal re-entry, as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Pineda-Gomez will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing. The U.S. Marshals Service and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman handling the prosecution.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who choose to disregard our nation’s laws and engage in violent behavior.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and keep our communities safe.

The investigation and prosecution of Pineda-Gomez’s case were a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

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