A 39-year-old Laredo resident, Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias, has been extradited to the United States to face multiple firearms-related charges. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Covarrubias had fled to Mexico but is now back in the U.S., where he will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song on February 24 at 9:30 a.m.
A federal grand jury indicted Covarrubias and others on October 5, 2021. According to the charges, authorities conducted surveillance in August 2021 at a house in Laredo and observed Covarrubias with others allegedly placing items into vehicles. He later left with two individuals for another location where law enforcement witnessed rifles being moved from a truck into a house, leading to their arrest.
The charges allege that since December 4, 2019, they have been involved in fraudulent firearm purchases. As a convicted felon, Covarrubias is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
After his initial arrest, Covarrubias was released on bond but fled to Mexico. He was arrested there and returned to U.S. authorities.
If found guilty, Covarrubias could face up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with support from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with Mexican authorities for his arrest and extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service facilitated his removal back to Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is handling prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process.