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Armando Duenez, Former Police Officer, Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison for Firearms Trafficking in Texas
In a shocking turn of events, Armando Duenez, a 31-year-old former police officer from Rio Hondo, Texas, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for his involvement in a firearms trafficking ring.
According to court documents, Duenez pleaded guilty on January 30, 2013, to conspiracy to export firearms and failure to appear. The charges stemmed from an investigation that revealed Duenez had entered into an agreement with others to export weapons from the United States to Mexico.
As part of the conspiracy, Duenez admitted to working with Raymond Martinez, a former member of the Palm Valley Police Department, to buy firearms and sell them for a profit to individuals who intended to smuggle them to Mexico. Duenez purchased over 15 semi-automatic rifles, which were later sold in Mexico, capable of accepting high-capacity magazines.
The investigation began when weapons recovered in Mexico were traced back to Duenez. Martinez was also convicted of dealing in firearms without a license and later sentenced to federal prison.
After being released on bond, Duenez failed to appear for his arraignment and fled to Mexico, where he remained until he surrendered to United States Marshals Service in December 2012.
U.S. District Judge Hilda G. Tagle handed down the sentence, which includes 60 months for the firearms charge and 60 months for failing to appear, to be served consecutively for a total of 64 months. Duenez was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term and perform 150 hours of community service upon his release.
Armando Duenez’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms trafficking and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat it. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked together to bring Duenez to justice.
Defendant: Armando Duenez
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to export firearms and failure to appear
City and State: Brownsville, Texas
Exact Date: January 30, 2013 (sentencing)
Sentence: 64 months in prison (60 months for firearms charge and 60 months for failing to appear, served consecutively)
City and State: Brownsville, Texas
Exact Date: July 2008 (arrest)
Exact Date: December 2012 (surrender)
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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