The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Richard G. Frohling, announced the arrest of Roland Munoz, a fugitive wanted for trafficking firearms from the United States to a Mexican cartel. Munoz, 44, was apprehended in Mexico as part of "Operation Ripsaw," an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Munoz was charged on September 21, 2021, along with five others in a 12-count indictment. The charges include violations of conspiracy laws under 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, smuggling goods under § 554, straw purchasing firearms under §§ 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2), and violating the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations under 22 U.S.C. §§ 2778(b)(2) and (c) as well as corresponding C.F.R sections.
The indictment outlines a complex operation where Munoz allegedly recruited individuals to purchase firearms in Wisconsin and other states. These weapons were then transported across the nation by couriers before being smuggled into Mexico via Texas for delivery to a cartel. More than 25 firearms were reportedly involved in this operation. Among these was a .50 caliber rifle recovered by Mexican authorities on December 12, 2020.
Munoz's capture resulted from cooperation between U.S. agencies such as the Marshals Service alongside ATF and HSI officials coordinating with their Mexican counterparts.
If convicted on these charges, Munoz faces up to a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment along with fines potentially reaching $1 million. However, sentencing will ultimately be determined by a judge based on evidence presented during trial proceedings.
Assistant United States Attorneys Philip T. Kovoor and Christopher Ladwig are set to prosecute this case at the United States District Court located in Green Bay.
An indictment is not proof of guilt; rather it signifies formal charges that require substantiation through legal processes ensuring fair trial rights where prosecution bears responsibility for proving allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
For additional information contact Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales at Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov or phone (414)297-1700.
