A recent press release dated September 6th from the Northern District of Texas Department of Justice revealed U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton announcing federal charges against seven individuals implicated in a cross-border gun trafficking ring.
"We will not rest until we dismantle those trafficking networks," U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said.
In a determined effort to curb cross-border gun trafficking, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, has instigated charges against a group of alleged straw purchasers. According to the press release, this group reportedly sourced over 100 firearms which were subsequently trafficked to Mexico, enabling criminal activity and fostering instability in the region. The seven implicated individuals have been identified as central figures in this unlawful arm trading network.
The operation, a subset of the Justice Department’s larger Operation Southbound, saw four individuals taken into custody last week, with another two arrested on Tuesday. The initiative seeks to cut off the supply of firearms finding their way into criminal circles across the border, per the press release.
The press release quoted U.S. Attorney Simonton expressing grave concerns over the end recipients of these illegally transported firearms, stating, “All too often, guns trafficked across our southern border fall into the hands of cartel bosses and other bad actors who threaten law enforcement and the people they serve.” Simonton pledged relentless efforts to dismantle such trafficking networks.
Those charged in connection with the scheme are: - Mario Lara, aged 28 - Oralia Carrizales, aged 41 - Geovanny Garcia, aged 31 - Darryl Fox, aged 29 - Gavino Trujillo, aged 28 - Guadalupe Corona, aged 29
Each individual faces accusations of making false statements to licensed firearm dealers during the purchase of firearms, the press release reported.
Central to this criminal operation were Jose Carlos Rivas-Chiarez, 29, and his partner, Ana Francisco-Sotelo, 28, noted the press release. Both previously entered guilty pleas on several charges, including fraudulent statements during firearm transactions and conspiracy to control substance distribution. The press release detailed a cumulative sentence of 32 years in federal prison for the pair.
During the in-depth investigation, authorities discovered over 150 empty firearm boxes at Rivas-Chiarez’s home, helping them track down several missing firearms to the purchases facilitated by the accused individuals. According to the press release, Rivas-Chiarez admitted to instructing others to procure firearms for him, employing “toys” as a coded term for weapons in conversation with at least one defendant.
The case will proceed to trial under Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas, who, according to the press release, could secure sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison for the defendants if they are found guilty.
