A Laredo man has admitted to illegally selling a firearm to a felon, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ricardo Estevis Jr., 32, who was operating Rick’s Armory LLC in Laredo, pleaded guilty to manufacturing firearms without the necessary license.

On February 15, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Estevis's home and business. The search uncovered at least 13 firearms that were made in violation of federal laws and were not permitted under his dealer-only federal firearms license.

Estevis acknowledged making these firearms—some of which were illegal to manufacture or possess without a special license—and had them available for sale from his home business. Following his arrest, he surrendered his federal firearms license on behalf of the business and agreed to cease acquiring firearms inventory and transferring firearms to the public as of April 24.

"Estevis abused the privilege of a federal firearm license by intentionally selling a pistol to a five-time convicted felon and by making illegal firearms and lying about it," said Hamdani. "He pursued financial profits over the safety of our citizens. The protection of our communities from criminals with guns is one of my primary responsibilities, something I take very seriously."

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. Estevis faces up to 15 years for selling the pistol, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000.

Estevis has been allowed to remain on bond pending sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from several agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Laredo Police Department, and Webb County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among various stakeholders.