Local Man Convicted of Illegally Selling a Firearm

HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Houston resident has entered a guilty plea to selling a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Reyes Hernandez admitted he sold a pistol to someone he knew to be a felon.

“Selling a gun to a convicted felon is a crime that ATF takes very seriously,” said Milanowski. “We will continue to pursue individuals who break the law and put more guns into the hands of illegal possessors.”

On multiple occasions, a man known to Hernandez had advised that he was a felon and had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term exceeding a year. He noted that, because of that, he was unable to purchase a firearm through legal means.

On June 7, 2017, Hernandez sold a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .45 caliber pistol to this individual against federal law.

U.S. District Judge Gray Miller accepted the plea today and set sentencing for May 18, 2018. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer is prosecuting the case.