Two men charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms in Texas, Laredo, 2024
Laredo, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo, 25, Mexico, and Homero Arteaga Jr., 45, Mission, Texas, have been indicted for allegedly attempting to purchase firearms in the United States to bring across the border into Mexico.
The charges, brought forth by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani, allege that Morales-Calvo and Arteaga were given a bag containing $16,850 in counterfeit U.S. currency to purchase a .50 caliber rifle and a FN Five-Seven pistol in September.
According to the indictment, the men arrived in a black pickup truck at the predetermined meeting point, where Arteaga inspected the firearms. However, Morales-Calvo noticed authorities and attempted to flee, leaving Arteaga behind.
Law enforcement quickly apprehended both men, and the firearms were recovered. The charges allege that the firearms were intended for ultimate delivery in Mexico.
If convicted of the conspiracy, both men face up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Arteaga and Morales-Calvo are also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and alien in possession of a firearm, respectively, and face an additional 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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