Illegal Alien Ordered to Prison on Firearms Charge

LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican National who resided in Laredo has been ordered to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms, announced Acting U.S. Abe Martinez. Gerardo Penalosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty July 29, 2016.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo ordered he serve 96 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Penalosa-Hernandez is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence.

On May 14, 2016, authorities learned of potential illegal activity occurring at the Palo Blanco Apartment in Laredo. They observed the location and witnessed Penalosa-Hernandez acting suspiciously. When officers approached him, he attempted to hide.

His wife soon arrived at the scene and stated there were illegal aliens being held inside their house. Law enforcement searched the residence and discovered 14 undocumented aliens waiting to be smuggled further into the United States. Authorities also found three weapons belonging to Penalosa-Hernandez. He admitted he intended to sell the weapons to a drug cartel in Mexico.   

As an illegal alien, Penalosa-Hernandez is prohibited by federal law of possessing any firearm or ammunition.

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

The Laredo Police Department, Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa is prosecuting the case.