Felon sentenced after selling firearm via social media

HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

Miguel Cano pleaded guilty Aug. 14.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Cano to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cano’s extensive criminal record and the “compressed” timing of Cano’s prior crimes.

The investigation began in January 2025 when law enforcement discovered Cano was communicating through social media regarding the sale of a Taurus pistol and had sent a video of the firearm.

He met with an individual Jan. 16, 2025, in Houston and sold the pistol for $450. 

Cano has prior convictions for theft, driving while intoxicated, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest with a vehicle, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. 

As a convicted felon, he is prohibited per federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition. 

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz prosecuted the case.