Police officer indicted for using badge to buy assault weapons to smuggle into Mexico
By Todd Feurer
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CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Chicago police officer has been indicted on federal charges accusing him of using his law enforcement credentials to buy two assault-style weapons for another man who smuggled them into Mexico.
CPD Officer Kevin Rodriguez and his accomplice, Diego Valdez, have been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States; straw purchasing of firearms; and unlawful importing, manufacturing, or dealing of firearms.
According to the indictment filed in federal court in Chicago, in September 2024, Rodriguez and Valdez traveled to Indiana, where Rodriguez used his police credentials to buy a Valhalla model WLA15A 5.56mm assault rifle. Days later, they went to a gun shop in Monee, Illinois, where Rodriguez purchased a Valhalla model M4E1 5.56mm pistol.
Rodriguez falsely claimed on federal firearms paperwork that he was the actual buyer of the guns when Valdez was the real buyer, and not allowed to purchase or possess such assault-style weapons in Illinois.
After buying the two guns, Rodriguez gave them to Valdez, who later smuggled them into Mexico in December 2024, according to the indictment.
Valdez allegedly sent Rodriguez more than $2,600 over Zelle to buy the guns.
Rodriguez and Valdez turned themselves in earlier this week, and were released on $15,000 bond after making their first court appearances. Both are due back in court on Oct. 8.
CBS News Chicago is reaching out to the Chicago Police Department for a response to Rodriguez’s arrest. According to city records, Rodriguez’ current annual salary is $108,012.
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