Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Chicago Police Officer Indicted in Alleged Straw Purchases of Guns Smuggled to Mexico

Both defendants pleaded not guilty, with a status hearing set for Oct. 8.

The Chicago Police Department logo is seen on the outside of the Chicago Public Safety Headquarters on Dec. 1, 2023. (Talia Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • An unsealed federal indictment in Chicago charges Officer Kevin Rodriguez with conspiracy, making false statements in acquiring a firearm, and purchasing a gun for another in furtherance of a felony, with Diego Valdez charged with conspiracy and receiving a straw-purchased firearm.
  • Prosecutors allege Rodriguez used his law-enforcement credentials in September 2024 to buy a Valhalla WLA15A AR-15–style rifle in Dyer, Indiana, and a Valhalla M4E1 5.56mm pistol in Monee, Illinois.
  • The indictment says Rodriguez falsely certified he was the actual buyer and then provided the guns to Valdez, who reimbursed him via Zelle for about $2,632.
  • Valdez allegedly transported the firearms to Mexico on Dec. 5, 2024, after identifying the models he wanted Rodriguez to purchase.
  • Both men surrendered, pleaded not guilty, and were released on bond; Judge John J. Tharp Jr. set the Oct. 8 status hearing as ATF and the Chicago Crime Gun Intelligence Center assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the case, and CPD has suspended Rodriguez’s police powers and placed him on no-pay status.