Nathan Garza, Armed Robbery, Texas 2022

Grimy Times Exclusive: McAllen, Texas – In a brazen act of violence, three men have been charged in connection to the armed robbery of an AR variant rifle from a motel in Edinburg, Texas. Nathan Garza, 27, aka Goofy, of McAllen, has been added to the indictment, along with Oscar Joel Frias, 20, aka OJ, of Edinburg, and Jahiro Sarmiento Martinez, 29, of Edinburg.

According to the indictment, on October 13, 2022, Frias and Garza allegedly stole the DPMS Panther Arms AR-Variant rifle at gunpoint from a victim at a motel in Edinburg. Frias allegedly used a 9mm pistol to commit the robbery. The next day, law enforcement observed Martinez loading the stolen AR into a vehicle, leading to their arrests.

Upon their arrests, law enforcement allegedly discovered multiple firearms within the vehicle. As convicted felons, Martinez and Garza are prohibited per federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition. If convicted, Frias and Garza face up to 20 years for the robbery, while Garza and Martinez could receive up to 15 years for the firearms charge.

Frias and Garza are also charged with brandishing firearms during a crime of violence, which would result in a mandatory seven-year sentence, to be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. Each conviction also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.

All three men remain in custody pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Edinburg and Palmview, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devin V. Walker and Lee A. Fry are prosecuting the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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