Felon convicted for firearm felony after attempt to flee

McALLEN, Texas – A 31-year-old McAllen man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Jaime Garcia had attempted to evade authorities during a traffic stop Jan. 29. He eventually stopped his vehicle and proceeded to flee on foot, but law enforcement quickly apprehended him. During a subsequent search, they discovered a Micro-Draco firearm, which is an AK-styled pistol, in the backseat area of his vehicle.

Further investigation revealed Garcia was previously convicted for burglary of habitation in 2022. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing July 15. At that time, Garcia faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. PSN brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.