Convicted Felon Ordered to Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms

McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old “Valluco” is headed to federal prison following his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Jesus Grijalva, of San Juan, pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2015.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed Grijalva a 63-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence regarding several previous violent offenses that Grijalva had committed. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted that Grijalva’s parents and siblings were accomplished individuals and that the defendant had taken a much different path in life.

On Aug. 21, 2015 law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on Grijalva’s residence in San Juan while investigating a possible kidnapping. Officers located Grijalva at the residence and identified him as a Valluco gang member. At that time, he was found to be in possession of cocaine, a stolen pistol and a shotgun despite having multiple felony convictions. Agents arrested Grijalva and seized the firearms and ammunition.

Grijalva will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Juan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Lindenmuth prosecuted the case.