Previously convicted felon pleads guilty in New Mexico to violating federal firearms laws

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A previously convicted felon from New Mexico pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. 

This guilty plea was entered without a plea agreement and resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Francisco Roberto Esquibel Jr., 34, from Albuquerque, was charged in a criminal complaint filed June 11, 2015, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The complaint alleged that Esquibel unlawfully possessed a stolen firearm at his residence in Albuquerque on June 10, 2015. According to the complaint, Albuquerque Police Department discovered the firearm while arresting Esquibel on an outstanding warrant. 

Esquibel was subsequently indicted July 31, 2015. According to the indictment, Esquibel was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle, and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

During Thursday’s hearing, Esquibel pleaded guilty to the indictment. At sentencing, Esquibel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing that has yet to be scheduled.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard in prosecuting the case.