Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Laredo resident, 39-year-old Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias, has been extradited to the United States from Mexico to face multiple firearms-related charges. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced that Covarrubias is charged with aiding and abetting straw purchasing, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.
Covarrubias fled to Mexico after being released on bond but was eventually arrested and returned to U.S. authorities. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance on February 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song.
The charges stem from surveillance conducted by authorities in August 2021 at a residence in Laredo. According to the indictment, Covarrubias and others were observed moving items between the house and nearby vehicles. They allegedly transported three rifles from a truck into another home, leading to their arrest.
The indictment alleges that Covarrubias had been involved in fraudulent firearms purchases since December 4, 2019. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
If found guilty, Covarrubias could face up to ten years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs collaborated with Mexican law enforcement for his arrest and extradition while the U.S. Marshals Service managed his transfer back to Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is handling the prosecution of this case.
It should be noted that an indictment serves as an accusation rather than proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise through due legal process.
