McALLEN, Texas - Christopher Bryan Santos, 21, of Pharr, has been handed a federal prison sentence for making false statements in the acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL), commonly known as straw purchasing, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Robert Elder, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Santos to 51 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by a two-year-term of supervised release.
In February 2011, ATF agents discovered information regarding several firearms purchases made by Santos. On March 28, 2011, and April 15, 2011, Santos purchased a total of four firearms. He admitted he provided false information on ATF forms that the firearms were purchased for himself, when he knew they were actually for another individual.
It was further determined that the firearms were being trafficked and used or possessed for another felony offense. The sentence today was further enhanced because it was determined he recruited others to make additional straw purchases.
Santos will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Villescas.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
