Eagle Pass Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession

DEL RIO, Texas - A convicted felon from Eagle Pass was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 12 years in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.

According to court documents, on Sept. 13, 2024, Gerard Santellano aka Papilla, 36, was found in possession of a .380 pistol during a lawful traffic stop and identified as the shooter in an attempted murder the week prior. Santellano was arrested during the traffic stop and, due to a 2013 felony conviction for second-degree robbery, he was federally indicted on Oct. 9, 2024. A federal grand jury charged him with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

Santellano pleaded guilty to one count on Dec. 16, 2024. On Aug. 6, U.S. District Chief Judge Alia Moses sentenced Santellano and fined him $2,000. Santellano must also forfeit the pistol along with any related ammunition and firearm accessories.

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.

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