A Chicago Police officer has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly conspiring to illegally purchase firearms for an acquaintance who then transported the weapons to Mexico.
According to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Kevin Rodriguez used his position as a police officer in the fall of 2024 to buy an AR-15 style rifle in Dyer, Indiana, and a handgun in Monee, Illinois. The indictment alleges that Rodriguez falsely certified on official forms that he was the actual buyer of the guns. The documents state that Diego Valdez, an acquaintance of Rodriguez, identified which firearms he wanted and paid Rodriguez to obtain them. After completing the purchases and paperwork, Rodriguez allegedly provided the guns to Valdez, who then smuggled them into Mexico.
Rodriguez, 27, faces one count each of conspiracy, knowingly making false statements in connection with acquiring a firearm, and knowingly purchasing a firearm intended for another person as part of a felony. Valdez, 25, is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of knowingly receiving a straw purchased firearm. Both men pleaded not guilty during their arraignments earlier this week. A status hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2025 before U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr.
The charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner is representing the government.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in Chicago. The CGIC serves as a central hub for law enforcement efforts focused on investigating and preventing gun violence across northern Illinois through collaboration among federal, state and local agencies.
"The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt," officials stated in announcing the charges. "The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."
