A Mexican resident has been sentenced for her involvement in straw purchasing firearms intended for export to Mexico, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Martha Padron, aged 29, entered a guilty plea on September 11 for making false statements during a firearm purchase.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton sentenced Padron to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. During the hearing, evidence was presented showing that Padron communicated with another individual to acquire firearms for exportation to Mexico. The court was informed that between 2021 and 2023, Padron purchased a total of 58 firearms. It was noted that she frequently crossed from Mexico into the United States to buy firearms and returned to Mexico on the same day.

On or about May 2, 2022, Padron falsely stated on required forms that she resided in the United States. However, investigations revealed that she lived in Mexico and often traveled into the United States specifically to purchase firearms. Further inquiries highlighted the ongoing nature of her criminal activities.

Padron will remain in custody until she is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined soon.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran III and Cahal P. McColgan were responsible for prosecuting the case.