San Juan resident convicted of possessing grenades and firearm

McALLEN, Texas - A 26-year-old man has entered a guilty plea for possessing destructive devices and utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On Aug. 1, Jamez Aaron Sandoval bought two grenade-style destructive devices which led to his arrest. Authorities conducted a search of his residence and discovered cocaine, marijuana, drug dealing paraphernalia as well as a firearm.

Further investigation revealed Sandoval used the firearm for protection during the commission of drug trafficking activities.

Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for Dec. 3. At that time, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by a minimum of five additional years and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and 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.