Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A 19-year-old from Houston has been sentenced for carjacking and using the stolen vehicle in an alien smuggling operation, according to acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez admitted guilt to the charge of carjacking on September 23, 2024. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos sentenced him to 42 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During the sentencing, Judge Ramos emphasized the gravity of the crime.
The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, when Rodriguez and Christian Hardy conspired to steal a Ford Fiesta for their smuggling plan. They approached a driver outside a convenience store in Edinburg; while Rodriguez engaged with the driver, Hardy entered the vehicle. Rodriguez threatened the owner with a gun before they drove off.
The next day, at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint, authorities identified the Ford as stolen and conducted a secondary inspection. Two illegal aliens were discovered in the trunk, and Rodriguez was found carrying a firearm during his arrest.
Christian Hardy, aged 18 from Richmond, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting his sentence.
Rodriguez will remain detained until he is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility soon.
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations with support from Border Patrol and Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin handled prosecution duties.
