A Rockford man has found himself sentenced to a stiff nine years behind federal prison bars for crimes involving firearms. Angel Barrera-Esteves, 27, is admitted to charges of possessing and selling firearms without a license and possessing a firearm with a tampered serial number. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that Barrera-Esteves's sentencing took place on Monday, with U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston handing down the 108-month term.
According to the guilty plea, it came to light that throughout 2021 and 2022, Barrera-Esteves was actively dealing in firearms. He obtained at least seven firearms, which he then sold without the necessary federal firearms dealer's license. Having his mother, Jessica Barrera, purchase and transfer the firearms to him, Barrera-Esteves engaged in serial number removal before the illegal sales. Loaded with intent, he sold guns and ammunition to individuals he knew were barred from possession or would use them for dubious purposes. Jessica, sentenced last month for her involvement, will be serving nearly three years in federal prison herself.
Under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative championed as a cornerstone for holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution, Barrera-Esteves's case takes on greater significance. The U.S. Department of Justice credits the combined efforts of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew S. Boutros, and special agents, including Christopher Amon, leader of ATF's Chicago Field Division. The Rockford Police Department's contributions were indispensable in Barrera-Esteves being brought to justice.
The case against Barrera-Esteves highlights the ongoing struggle against gun violence and illicit weapons distribution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza L. Tomlinson, represented by the government, was key in prosecuting this case. As part of the broader PSN program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has consolidated its efforts with law enforcement partners to address a range of violent crime issues, particularly firearm offenses, plaguing the Northern District of Illinois.
