In Nashville, federal authorities have charged Manuel De Jesus Guirola-Amaya, a 20-year-old Honduran national residing unlawfully in the U.S., with multiple firearm-related offenses. The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee, includes charges of illegal firearm possession by an undocumented immigrant, possession of stolen firearms, and theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire announced the case, underscoring the severity of the allegations.
The charges stem from a brazen burglary at Golden Eagle Pawn, a licensed firearms dealer in Dickson, Tennessee, on December 5, 2024. Surveillance footage captured two stolen vehicles pulling up to the store, with one ramming through the front entrance. Four individuals rushed inside, swiftly targeting firearm displays before fleeing in one of the stolen cars—all within two minutes. The thieves made off with more than 40 firearms, leaving behind a scene of deliberate and rapid looting.
Later that same day, a routine traffic stop by La Vergne police led to a significant breakthrough in the case. Officers pulled over a vehicle with expired registration, driven solely by Guirola-Amaya. A search of the car uncovered a backpack in the trunk containing five stolen pistols from the pawn shop, still bearing their original price tags. Another backpack in the backseat held two additional stolen firearms, one with its tag intact, along with suspected marijuana and digital scales—hinting at possible involvement in drug-related activities.
Further investigation intensified when federal agents executed a search warrant at a residence linked to Guirola-Amaya. Inside, they recovered a high-capacity magazine, ammunition, and price tags matching those from Golden Eagle Pawn. Authorities also examined multiple cell phones found either on Guirola-Amaya or inside the vehicle at the time of his arrest. Forensic analysis revealed incriminating evidence, including photos and videos of firearms, location data, and search history tying him directly to the burglary.
Guirola-Amaya, who entered the U.S. illegally in March 2022, now faces severe legal consequences if convicted. The most serious charge—possession of a firearm by an undocumented immigrant—carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, while the other counts each hold potential 10-year terms, along with fines of up to $250,000 per charge. This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartel operations, and violent crime. It’s important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt; the defendant remains innocent unless proven otherwise in court. The investigation involved collaboration between the ATF, La Vergne Police, and Dickson Police, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Hinkle.