McAllen felon convicted of possessing multiple firearms

McALLEN, Texas - A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms while a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On Sept. 11, law enforcement stopped David Michael Saenz for a traffic violation, at which time they also smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Saenz informed law enforcement he was in possession of firearms.

A search of the vehicle revealed two handguns in a holster and two additional firearms in his vehicle. Authorities also found methamphetamine and marijuana in the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed Saenz was previously convicted of aggravated robbery in 2021. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law. Saenz also admitted to possessing one of the firearms to protect himself while engaging in drug dealing.

Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for February 4, 2025. At that time, Saenz faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Saenz has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Rio Grande City 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.