McALLEN, Texas — A self-admitted member of the Westside gang was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Wednesday for possessing destructive devices and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.
Jamez Aaron Sandoval, 26, of San Juan, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19 to charges stemming from his illegal possession of grenade-style destructive devices and his use of firearms during drug-related activities. U.S. Chief District Judge Randy Crane imposed the 120-month sentence, which will be followed by three years of supervised release.
During the sentencing, the court reviewed evidence that Sandoval attempted to build a homemade grenade, carried a firearm during a grenade transaction, and recorded himself firing fully automatic weapons. Judge Crane emphasized that Sandoval’s promotion of violence on social media, including posts showing a machinegun being fired at law enforcement, was a significant factor in the sentence.
Authorities arrested Sandoval on Aug. 1 after he purchased two grenade-style devices from an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent. A search of his residence uncovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and evidence of previous sales of machinegun conversion devices. Investigators determined that Sandoval used a firearm found in his home for protection while conducting drug trafficking activities.
The case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. The joint investigation was conducted by ATF, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Alamo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.