Mexican national convicted of federal witness tampering

McALLEN, Texas – A 53-year-old man illegally residing in McAllen has been convicted of attempting to threaten or intimidate a government witness from testifying in a pending trial, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for more than six hours before convicting Carlos Gerardo Perez-Munoz following a two-day trial.

The investigation began in July when law enforcement learned that Perez-Munoz approached an individual and threatened them not to “snitch.” He told the individual he knew where they lived in Mexico and knew they had been speaking with authorities about an ongoing investigation.

At trial, the jury heard Perez-Munoz illegally worked at a used clothing warehouse while in the United States on a tourist visa. They also viewed photographs of the warehouse and heard a recording of Perez-Munoz’s interview with authorities.

The defense argued the government witness fabricated the threat and claimed the statements were intended to deter the witness from testifying against other workers who were in the country illegally, not the owner of the used clothing store. The jury rejected those claims and found Perez-Munoz guilty as charged.  

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 24, 2026. At that time, Perez-Munoz faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Perez-Munoz remains in custody pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Lyles and Patricia Cook Profit are prosecuting the case.