Two Head to Prison for Firearms Trafficking

McALLEN, Texas – Two McAllen men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the trafficking of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Dimas Rodriguez, 44, pleaded guilty June 29, 2016, admitting to being a felon in possession of a firearm, while Jose Gertrudis Partida, 71, pleaded guilty Aug. 31, 2016, admitting he transferred a firearm to a felon.

Following a hearing this morning, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Rodriguez and Partida to serve 70 and 30 months in prison, respectively. During the hearing, Partida asked the court for a lower sentence due to his elderly age, lack of criminal record and his prior military service, which included the awarding of a Bronze Star. However, the government argued that a strong sentence was warranted due to his involvement in providing multiple firearms to individuals who either actually exported or represented to export firearms into Mexico for use by the Gulf Cartel and his involvement in drug trafficking-related activities.

In handing down the sentence, the court noted the troublesome connection with an offense involving both drugs and guns and stated that Partida’s sentence would also serve as a deterrent to those, whether young or old, who are contemplating such criminal actions. Partida will also serve two years of supervised release following his prison term and will be required to pay a $30,000 fine.

On Dec. 2, 2015, Partida provided Rodriguez with three semi-automatic firearms. Rodriquez then sold them to an individual who planned to provide the weapons to Gulf Cartel members. At the time Partida transferred the firearms to Rodriguez, he knew Rodriguez had been convicted of the felony offense of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms.

Rodriguez has been and remains in federal custody. Partida was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. prosecuted the case.