LAREDO, Texas — A violent confrontation inside a Laredo home spiraled into federal court when convicted felon Jose Genaro Contreras seized a firearm from a law enforcement officer during a domestic dispute. On May 29, 2016, Contreras attacked his girlfriend — a deputy with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office — shoved her to the floor, and stole her .40 caliber service weapon from her purse.
According to the victim’s written statement, Contreras dragged her into a back bathroom, locked the door, and held her against her will. Two children were present in the home at the time. The situation escalated when the deputy’s sister called 911, reporting that Contreras was armed and threatening to kill her sister. Laredo Police responded, but Contreras lied to officers, denying any gun was in the house.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives launched a federal investigation, uncovering that Contreras, a previously convicted felon, was legally barred from possessing any firearm. He admitted guilt on October 6, 2016, pleading guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm — a charge carrying mandatory prison time.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana showed no leniency. Today, she sentenced Jose Genaro Contreras to 60 months in federal prison, calling his criminal past a “horrible record” and his actions “egregious.” The court also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Contreras remains in custody and will soon be transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. Authorities stress the case underscores the deadly risks when domestic violence intersects with firearms — especially when the abuser is a prohibited person with a violent history.
The investigation was led by the ATF with support from the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Howard prosecuted the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
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