Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Houston man, John Castellano, aged 49, has been convicted by a federal jury for making a false statement during a firearms purchase and for acquiring firearms intended for exportation to Mexico. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury, after deliberating for less than 20 minutes, found Castellano guilty following a trial that lasted three days.
The case revolved around an incident on or about December 16, 2019, when Castellano misled a federally licensed firearms dealer. He falsely claimed he was buying two Barrett .50 caliber rifles for personal use, each worth about $8,000. However, the rifles were actually meant for others and ultimately intended for Mexico.
The prosecution presented evidence showing Castellano acquired the rifles with around $17,000 in cash provided by Jacinto Zuniga. It was also revealed that Castellano collected the firearms from the dealer with a friend who has a prior conviction. Additional attempts by Castellano to procure more Barrett .50 caliber rifles were intercepted by authorities.
Expert witnesses testified on the regulations and licensing requirements for exporting firearms to Mexico. Furthermore, the jury was shown the Barrett .50 caliber rifles bought in this straw purchase.
During the trial, Castellano's defense argued the accusations were unfounded, claiming he was wrongly accused. Castellano testified, asserting that incriminating messages exchanged with a codefendant were fabrications and merely fictional storytelling. The jury, however, disagreed with these claims and convicted Castellano as charged.
Presiding over the trial was U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein, who has scheduled the sentencing for July 25. Castellano faces a potential 10-year federal prison sentence and a maximum fine of $250,000. Meanwhile, he has been allowed to remain on bond until the sentencing hearing.
Jacinto Zuniga, 44, from Houston, had previously admitted guilt for his involvement in the transaction.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with support from the Houston Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of State. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts.