Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez, a 19-year-old Houston resident, has been sentenced to prison for stealing a car that was later used in an alien smuggling scheme. The carjacking occurred in Edinburg, Texas.
On September 23, 2024, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to carjacking. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 42 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the court, Rodriguez stole the car in order to use it in an alien smuggling attempt. On May 19, 2024, Rodriguez and Christian Hardy arranged to steal a Ford Fiesta to carry out an alien smuggling scheme. Outside a convenience store in Edinburg, they approached the driver of the car, and while Rodriguez spoke to the driver, Hardy climbed into the car.
Rodriguez brandished a gun and threatened the owner of the car, and both men drove away in the Ford. The following day, Rodriguez and Hardy approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving the Ford. Authorities had discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen and referred them to secondary inspection.
There, they found two illegal aliens in the trunk. Law enforcement also found a firearm on Rodriguez upon his arrest. Hardy, 18, from Richmond, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Rodriguez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Edinburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- LaQuaylan Wesley Patterson, Armed Bank Robbery and Carjacking, Texas 2014 · Texas
- Gilbert John, Jr., Kidnapping and Murder, New Mexico 2019 · Puerto Rico
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Trafficking and Aiding Gun Use, Texas 2021 · Texas
- Roberto Minuta, Seditious Conspiracy and Obstruction of Official Proceeding, Texas 2021 · Hawaii
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Conspiracy, Texas 2021 · 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 →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime