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Criminal gang sentenced to more than 50 years combined for stealing firearms from parked trucks in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas – A San Antonio man has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, marking the final sentencing in a high-profile case involving a five-man burglary crew responsible for stealing firearms and high-value items from Ford pickup trucks across the city.

Organized Theft Operation Targeted Vehicles Across San Antonio

Court documents reveal that Victor Valenciana, also known as “Vick,” 30, along with his four co-conspirators, carried out a series of burglaries targeting Ford pickup trucks parked in retail lots, malls, and restaurants. Between July 2021 and January 2022, the group stole firearms and other valuables, and at times, the vehicles themselves.

To avoid detection by law enforcement, the crew rented vehicles for their operations and installed stolen license plates taken from similar-looking vehicles. Over the course of their crime spree, they managed to steal and sell more than 100 firearms from vehicles in the San Antonio area.

Federal Indictment and Sentencing

On October 5, 2022, Valenciana, along with co-defendants Alejandro Arias, 26; Richard Hernandez, also known as “Panek,” 26; Andrew Blue Riojas, 26; and Aureliano Villareal, also known as “AJ,” 28, were charged in a 17-count federal indictment. The charges included conspiracy to receive and possess stolen firearms, multiple counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.

Valenciana was arrested on November 17, 2022, and has remained in federal custody since then. He pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to charges of conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas commended law enforcement efforts and reminded residents of the importance of safe firearm storage. “These five criminals will spend a combined 53 years in federal prison for their activity thanks to the investigative work and partnerships of our outstanding federal and local law enforcement agencies,” he said. “I continue to ask residents to ensure that, if you must leave a firearm in your vehicle, you do so safely and properly. Thieves continue to target specific vehicles and can successfully break in and escape in a matter of seconds.”

Law Enforcement Officials Emphasize Firearm Safety

Federal agencies emphasized the impact of firearm theft on public safety and pledged ongoing efforts to combat such crimes. Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated, “The vast majority of firearms stolen from vehicles end up being used as crime guns. This sentence serves as notice to would-be offenders that ATF is committed to breaking the cycle of firearms trafficking no matter how it occurs.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) echoed these concerns, highlighting the broader implications of firearm thefts. Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of HSI’s San Antonio Division noted, “These defendants were part of a poly-criminal organization that targeted vehicles to steal firearms, which were then sold and trafficked, some recovered in Mexico, posing a serious threat to public safety.”

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of federal agencies, stating, “We sincerely thank our federal partners for their vital support in cracking down on vehicle burglars targeting firearms. Their collaboration is making our community safer.”

Sentences Handed Down to Co-Conspirators

In total, the five defendants received a combined 639 months in federal prison. The sentences for each defendant are as follows:

  • Alejandro Arias – 150 months (January 16, 2025)
  • Richard Hernandez – 78 months (December 19, 2024)
  • Andrew Blue Riojas – 151 months (August 15, 2024)
  • Aureliano Villareal – 140 months (July 16, 2024)
  • Victor Valenciana – 120 months (January 2025)

The case was investigated by the ATF, HSI, and the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski led the prosecution efforts.

Authorities continue to urge firearm owners to take necessary precautions to prevent theft and ensure that vehicles are not used as storage for firearms.

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