ALBUQUERQUE - Francisco Roberto Esquibel, Jr., 34, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. The guilty plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Esquibel was charged in a criminal complaint filed on June 11, 2015, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The complaint alleged that Esquibel unlawfully possessed a stolen firearm at his residence in Albuquerque on June 10, 2015. According to the complaint, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) found the firearm while arresting Esquibel on an outstanding warrant.
Esquibel was subsequently indicted on July 31, 2015. According to the indictment, Esquibel was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute.
During today’s hearing, Esquibel pled guilty to the indictment. At sentencing Esquibel faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard in prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
