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Beyond Social Media: How a Honduran National’s Gun Sale Led to Federal Charges

Honduran man pleaded guilty to firearm possession and illegal reentry after selling guns online.

byEditorial Staff

September 15, 2025, 11:41 PM

A person is sitting down and holding a handgun, with a focus on the weapon

The image of a person holding a handgun, representing the serious issues of gun violence and illegal firearms. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Honduran national Gustavo Benitez Rodriguez pleaded guilty to federal charges of possessing firearms as an alien and illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation.

The investigation began when law enforcement tracked Benitez Rodriguez’s social media activity advertising a firearm for sale, leading to the discovery of two handguns at his residence.

Benitez Rodriguez, who was previously deported in 2019, faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and is scheduled for sentencing on December 5.

Laws and Precedent

Gustavo Benitez Rodriguez pleaded guilty to federal charges, specifically possessing firearms as an alien, which refers to laws prohibiting individuals without lawful immigration status from possessing firearms, and illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation, an offense under federal immigration statutes for those who return without authorization following a removal order. He faces sentencing under federal guidelines for these violations.

A Honduran national, Gustavo Benitez Rodriguez, pleaded guilty on September 8 to federal charges of possessing firearms as an alien and illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. The plea stems from an investigation where law enforcement tracked his social media activity advertising a firearm for sale, leading to the discovery of two handguns at his residence.

Investigation Details Unfold

According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, law enforcement officers initiated monitoring of Benitez Rodriguez’s social media account on February 25. This action followed the observation of a post where the 22-year-old was advertising a firearm for sale. He subsequently engaged in online communication to arrange a sale with an individual he believed to be a prospective buyer.

Benitez Rodriguez, a native and citizen of Honduras, was confirmed to be without lawful immigration status in the United States. His prior arrest records also indicated alleged affiliations with the “Little Havana Taliban” gang.

Firearms Discovery and Prior Deportation

On February 28, officers executed a search warrant at Benitez Rodriguez’s residence. Inside his bedroom, they located two firearms: a Stoeger STR 9mm pistol in a dresser drawer near his passport and ID, and a Ruger ICS 9mm pistol hidden beneath his mattress. Additionally, a 9mm magazine and 15 rounds of live Luger 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Further investigation revealed that Benitez Rodriguez had been previously removed from the United States on February 15, 2019, following a final order of removal. He later re-entered the country without the necessary consent from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Upcoming Sentencing

Benitez Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom on December 5. He faces significant penalties, including a maximum of 15 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000 for his offenses.