Kevin Rodriguez, Straw Purchase, Illinois 2024
A Chicago police officer has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly conspiring to 'straw purchase' firearms on behalf of an acquaintance who transported the guns to Mexico.
According to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, KEVIN RODRIGUEZ, 27, of Chicago, used his status as a Chicago Police officer to purchase an AR-15 style assault rifle in Dyer, Ind., and a handgun in Monee, Ill., and falsely certified on required forms that he was the actual buyer of the guns.
Rodriguez purchased the guns on behalf of an acquaintance, DIEGO VALDEZ, 25, of Chicago, who identified which firearms he wanted and paid Rodriguez to buy them, the indictment states.
After falsely completing the forms and making the purchases, Rodriguez provided the firearms to Valdez, who then smuggled them into Mexico, the indictment states.
The indictment charges Rodriguez with one count of conspiracy, one count of knowingly making false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, and one count of knowingly purchasing a firearm intended for another individual in furtherance of a felony.
Valdez is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of knowingly receiving a straw purchased firearm.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignments earlier this week in federal court in Chicago.
A status hearing is set for Oct. 8, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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