A San Angelo man's decision to fire a handgun into the air outside a local residence has landed him a federal prison sentence of two and a half years. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham announced the sentence for 22-year-old Edgar Eduardo Gamez-Rodriguez, a Mexican citizen, on charges of illegal firearm possession by an undocumented immigrant.
Gamez-Rodriguez was indicted in September 2024 and entered a guilty plea the following month. His conviction stems from an early morning incident on October 1, 2023, when reports of "shots fired" brought law enforcement to the scene of a party in San Angelo. According to the Department of Justice's press release, participants at the event described how an intoxicated Gamez-Rodriguez, angry about having his keys taken away, brandished and discharged his weapon in the air before leaving the premises.
Further details of the incident were detailed in the sheriff's office report, indicating Gamez-Rodriguez aimed the gun at two musicians and threatened to "shoot up" the house through a third party. Law enforcement's search of his home led to the discovery of a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun and additional evidence linking him to the crime. A picture from his Facebook profile also featured him holding a similar firearm, complementing the physical evidence recovered.
Immigration records confirmed Gamez-Rodriguez's citizenship in Mexico and his lack of authorization to reside in the U.S. Post-sentence, he faces deportation proceedings. The case was brought to resolution through collaborative efforts of the Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, and assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Haag prosecuted the case.
