San Juan gang member sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for possession of firearms

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A San Juan man has been sentenced following his conviction of being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Daniel Garza, 42, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2023.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Garza is a well-known member of the Vallucos street gang. His criminal record showed, he has several convictions for violent, weapon-related offenses and is prohibited from having firearms or ammunition.

Authorities suspected Garza was in possession of the prohibited items and launched an investigation.

On June 27, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at his residence and found two firearms, body armor, a mask and a bag of firearm magazines, the release stated.

Investigators also looked into Garza's social media, where they discovered photos of him in possession of several other firearms, including a belt-fed rifle and a firearm that he claims was fully automatic.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Garza to serve five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Garza remains in custody and is pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.