Federal Crackdown on Gun Trafficking Hits Rockford Mother
A 56-year-old Rockford woman, Jessica Barrera, has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for illegally purchasing firearms on behalf of her son, who was legally prohibited from owning guns. The sentencing is part of a broader federal initiative targeting straw purchases and illegal gun trafficking in Illinois.
The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide program aimed at reducing gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts. Officials said Barrera’s actions were not only illegal but also part of a disturbing pattern of firearm misuse facilitated by individuals willing to lie for others.
False Firearm Purchases for Her Son
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Barrera made four separate firearm purchases across 2021 and 2022. In each instance, she falsely claimed to be the actual buyer, while the guns were actually intended for her 27-year-old son, Angel Barrera-Esteves.
Because of his prior legal restrictions, Angel was not allowed to own a firearm or possess a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. Yet Barrera proceeded with the transactions, also purchasing ammunition for him during this period.
Son Faces His Own Sentencing in September
Angel Barrera-Esteves has since pleaded guilty to federal firearm offenses and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10. Prosecutors say that after receiving the guns, he engaged in unlicensed weapons sales, further circulating the firearms throughout the community.
The case is a clear example of how straw purchases — where someone buys a firearm on behalf of someone who is legally restricted — can fuel underground weapon trafficking networks.
Federal Authorities Send a Strong Message
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston, who presided over the case, emphasized the dangers of circumventing federal gun laws, calling Barrera’s actions a “troubling portrait of illicit armament distribution.” Authorities also noted that these crimes often escalate into broader public safety risks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza L. Tomlinson, working alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), handled the prosecution. Both the prosecutor and federal agents reaffirmed their commitment to aggressively pursuing illegal firearm activity, particularly cases that undermine safe communities.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: Reducing Gun Violence
This case is part of the ongoing efforts by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative focused on disrupting the supply chain of illegal firearms. PSN brings together local law enforcement, federal agencies, and community partners to target the drivers of gun crime.
Jessica Barrera’s conviction, according to officials, illustrates how the misuse of legal firearm purchasing systems can have serious legal consequences — not only for the direct buyer but also for the community impacted by the weapons that end up in the wrong hands.
Community and Legal Impact
In light of this case, federal officials urge citizens to understand the responsibilities of gun ownership and purchase. Any attempt to act as a proxy buyer, even for a family member, is a serious federal offense.
With Angel Barrera-Esteves’ sentencing still ahead, the outcome of the case will continue to serve as a warning to others considering similar illegal acts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made clear: gun crimes won’t be tolerated, and violations will carry long-term consequences.
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