Starr County jailer pleads guilty to straw purchasing firearm receiver

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Starr County Sheriff's Office jailer pleaded guilty to his involvement in the straw purchasing of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Roma resident, 32-year-old Gonzalo Everardo Gonzalez, admitted to making false statements when purchasing the firearm.

On June 13, 2023, Gonzalez falsely stated on a form, connected with the purchase of the firearm, that he was the true purchaser of the of the receiver, a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

An investigation revealed that the statement was false. According to the release, Gonzalez purchased a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican native, who intended to smuggle it into Mexico.

At the time of the purchase, Gonzalez was a Starr County Sheriff's Office jailer.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing on Oct. 8. Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

He will remain on bond pending his sentencing.