Mark Villarreal, Illegal Gun Possession, Texas 2020

Corpus Christi, Texas, resident Mark Villarreal, 42, has been ordered to federal prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The 85-month sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Villarreal pleaded guilty to the charge on January 13. He will be followed by three years of supervised release after serving his prison time. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation into Villarreal's crime.

On September 30, 2020, authorities pulled over to assist a vehicle that had stalled on the roadway in Corpus Christi. As they moved the vehicle into a parking lot, they noticed it had two different license plates and no registration sticker. During the stop, authorities discovered a warrant for Villarreal's arrest and found a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD40 semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.

Villarreal's previous convictions include multiple felonies, including assault of a family member. Per federal law, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Villarreal will remain in custody until he is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined in the near future. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.

This sentencing marks a significant blow to those who seek to skirt the law and possess firearms illegally. We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

The investigation into this crime was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. We appreciate their dedication to justice.

For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Mark Villarreal

Exact Crime: Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon

City and State: Corpus Christi, Texas

Exact Date: September 30, 2020 (crime date)

Sentence or Outcome: 85-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/once-wanted-felon-sentenced-illegal-gun-possession