San Jose Gang Member Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Illegally Possessing Firearm As A Convicted Felon

Defendant admitted making Facebook posting with gun, storing it in air conditioning vent above bedroom

SAN JOSE – Marcos Barajas was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John Bennett.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge.

Barajas, 34, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to the charge on October 10, 2019.  According to the plea agreement, Barajas posted a picture on Facebook of him holding the gun.  At a later point, he wrapped the gun in a bandana and stored it in an air conditioning vent above a bedroom in his residence in San Jose, where it was subsequently discovered by law enforcement.  Following his arrest, Barajas admitted to knowingly possessing the gun. 

According to a complaint filed in the case, Barajas was a self-identified and documented Sureño street gang member and member of the “East Side Clanton” or “ESC” branch of the gang in San Jose. 

On October 4, 2019, Barajas was charged by information with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  Barajas pleaded guilty to the charge.  Barajas has been in custody since May 23, 2019. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Koh ordered Barajas to serve a three-year period of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment. 

Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Nedrow is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the San Jose Police Department.