Felon faces up to 15 years for possessing firearm

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a felon, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On Sept. 11, authorities stopped 34-year-old David Micheal Saenz for a traffic violation. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office, during the traffic stop, authorities distinct a smell of marijuana coming from the car.

Saenz then confessed to authorities he had firearms. During the search of his vehicle, police found two handguns in a holster and two additional firearms in the vehicle.

Additionally, authorities found methamphetamine and marijuana during the search, the release stated.

During the investigation, authorities revealed Saenz was convicted of aggravated robbery in 2021.

"As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law," said Alamdar S. Hamdani, U.S. Attorney.

Saenz also confessed to possessing one of the firearms to "protect himself" during drug deals.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted his plea and scheduled his sentencing on Feb. 4, 2025. Saenz faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine.