San Juan Man Pleads Guilty Using A Firearm In Narcotics Trafficking

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 6:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Srt Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

MCALLEN, TX.- On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Jamez Aaron Sandoval, 26, of San Juan, Texas, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District Of Texas and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Randy Crane to Possession of Destructive Devices; and Utilizing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Activity.

    Following entering his guilty pleas, Judge Crane accepted Sandoval’s pleas and scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2024. At that time, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine or both.

According To Court Documents

     According to U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani and documents filed with the district court on August 1, 2024, Sandoval bought two grenade-style explosive devices, which led to his being taken into custody. Following his arrest, Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant on his residence. During the search, investigators uncovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm. 

     Further investigation and questioning revealed that Sandoval used the firearm for protection during the commission of narcotics trafficking activities.

     At the conclusion of Thursday’s plea hearing, Judge Crane ordered Sandoval to be returned to federal custody pending sentencing.