South Texas felon convicted for possessing firearms

McALLEN, Texas - A 27-year-old resident of Alamo has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two rifles, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The investigation began after law enforcement learned narcotics would be in the home of Hector Tellez-Hernandez. On April 5, they conducted a search. At that time, they found two rifles and body armor in a bedroom as well as 16 grams of cocaine.

Tellez-Hernandez admitted ownership. However, as a previously convicted felon of alien smuggling, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Oct. 16, at which time Tellez-Hernandez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alamo Police Department conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department's Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.