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Unsealed Federal Indictment Charges Chicago Officer in Alleged Gun Pipeline to Mexico

Prosecutors cite dealer records, Zelle payments, firearms forms as the case heads to an Oct. 8 hearing.

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

Overview

  • A grand jury indictment unsealed Sept. 24 charges Officer Kevin Rodriguez and Diego Valdez with conspiracy, straw purchasing of firearms, and unlawful importing, manufacturing, or dealing of firearms.
  • Prosecutors say Rodriguez used his CPD credentials in September 2024 to buy a Valhalla WLA15A rifle in Dyer, Indiana, and a Valhalla M4E1 pistol in Monee, Illinois.
  • The indictment alleges Rodriguez falsely certified he was the actual buyer while Valdez, ineligible to obtain such assault-style weapons in Illinois, sent more than $2,600 via Zelle to fund the purchases.
  • Both guns were allegedly transferred to Valdez and taken to Mexico in December 2024, according to the filing.
  • Rodriguez and Valdez surrendered to federal authorities, were released on $15,000 bond, have a court date set for Oct. 8, and CPD reports Rodriguez is on no-pay status following an earlier suspension of his police powers.