A 22-year-old McAllen resident has been locked up for his role in illegally purchasing firearms on behalf of a Mexican national, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. Juan Hector Resendez-Meza III pleaded guilty on May 31, 2023 to straw purchasing rifles.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Resendez-Meza to serve 24 months in federal prison, immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Between May and August 2023, Resendez-Meza received $16,000 in cash to purchase firearms on behalf of a man residing in Reynosa, Mexico. At the time of each purchase, Resendez-Meza lied on federal forms, claiming he was the true buyer.
Resendez-Meza admitted to illegally procuring three rifles, including a .50 caliber rifle, on behalf of the Mexican citizen. He also admitted to previously buying and selling two pistols to the same individual.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.
Related Federal Cases
- Juan Manuel Ancira, Kidnapping-for-Ransom, Texas 2018 · Texas
- Garland Gilmore Lenoir III, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Texas 2014 · Oklahoma
- 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
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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