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Convicted felon sentenced to over five years for possessing a firearm

Laredo, Texas – Fernando Perez, a 41-year-old man from Laredo, Texas, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the sentence, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo.

Illegal Firearm Sale Leads to Arrest

Perez’s legal troubles began on June 12, 2019, when law enforcement launched an investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Webb County. Authorities identified Perez as the person involved in the unlawful sale of firearms, particularly semi-automatic rifles, on the streets of Laredo.

The investigation uncovered that Perez had sold a Stag Arms model Stag 15, a 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle, for $2,000 in broad daylight. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from owning or selling firearms. Perez, already convicted in 2012 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, was legally barred from owning or selling any firearms or ammunition.

Perez Sentenced to 71 Months

After pleading guilty on July 9, Perez has now been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison. He will serve his prison time at a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined soon. Following his release, Perez will remain under supervised release for three years.

The case highlights the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Laredo Police Department, and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in curbing illegal firearms trafficking in the region. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Hakala-Finch led the prosecution of the case.

Perez remains in custody as he awaits transfer to a federal facility. Authorities hope that this sentencing will send a clear message about the serious consequences of illegal firearm possession and trafficking.

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