A 39-year-old man has been extradited to the United States to face charges of aiding and abetting straw purchasing, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.
Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias, a resident of Laredo, Texas, had previously fled to Mexico but was ultimately arrested and returned to US authorities.
According to the charges, Covarrubias and others were involved in fraudulently purchasing firearms since December 4, 2019. In August 2021, authorities conducted surveillance at a house in Laredo, during which they observed Covarrubias and others exiting and entering the house or garage and placing items into nearby vehicles.
Law enforcement took Covarrubias and others into custody after observing the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house.
Covarrubias is a convicted felon, which means he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas.
Covarrubias is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song on February 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Related Federal Cases
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Trafficking and Aiding Gun Use, Texas 2021 · Texas
- Gilbert John, Jr., Kidnapping and Murder, New Mexico 2019 · Puerto Rico
- Roberto Minuta, Seditious Conspiracy and Obstruction of Official Proceeding, Texas 2021 · Hawaii
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Conspiracy, Texas 2021 · Arizona
- Dustin Ray Williams, Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, Texas 2021 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
