Local Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm After Shooting in North Laredo
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old man residing in Laredo has been charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury returned the one-count indictment against Cesar Javier Estrada. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in the near future.
According to the charges, on Oct. 6, law enforcement responded to a call reporting shots fired on the 800 block of Nafta Boulevard. Shortly after, they allegedly received a second call describing a person with a gunshot wound arriving at Doctor’s Hospital.
Authorities arrived at the hospital and determined the patient with the gunshot wound to be Estrada’s nephew, according to the charges. He and Estrada allegedly arrived together in the same vehicle. The charges further allege that Estrada’s car contained two pistols, spent shell casings and had numerous bullet holes in the exterior.
At the scene, law enforcement allegedly discovered two ounces of marijuana, shell casings and bullet fragments that matched the firearms found inside Estrada’s vehicle.
The charges allege Estrada has two prior felony robbery convictions in Webb County and one federal felony conviction for unlawful transportation of an alien in the Southern District of Texas. As such, he is prohibited from possession firearms or ammunition, according to the charges.
If convicted, Estrada faces a up to 15 years in prison and possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
