U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani | U.S. Department of Justice
A member of the Westside gang has been sentenced for possessing destructive devices and using a firearm in drug trafficking activities, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jamez Aaron Sandoval, 26, from San Juan, pleaded guilty on September 19. U.S. Chief District Judge Randy Crane sentenced him to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons followed by three years of supervised release. During the hearing, it was revealed that Sandoval attempted to make a homemade grenade and carried a firearm during a grenade transaction. He also recorded himself firing fully automatic weapons. Judge Crane noted that Sandoval promoted violence through social media posts showing an individual firing a machinegun conversion device towards law enforcement.
Authorities arrested Sandoval on August 1 after he purchased two grenade-style destructive devices from an undercover ATF agent. A search of his residence uncovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and firearms. Sandoval had previously sold machinegun conversion devices to law enforcement before attempting to purchase grenades.
Further investigation showed that Sandoval used a firearm found at his residence for protection during drug trafficking activities.
Sandoval remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Alamo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced efforts to reduce violent crime through PSN's evidence-based approach focused on reducing violent crime rather than increasing arrests or prosecutions.
