Brenda Belinda Barba, a 33-year-old McAllen resident, has admitted to illegally exporting firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Barba entered a guilty plea to attempting to unlawfully export a Glock 9mm pistol, a Glock .22 caliber pistol, four Glock pistol magazines and 550 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
On November 29, 2021, Barba attempted to exit the United States at the Anzalduas Port of Entry. At that time, she told law enforcement she had nothing to declare, to include firearms and ammunition.
However, upon inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered two pistols, magazines and ammunition concealed in her handbag. She admitted she had purchased the firearms at an Academy Sports and Outdoors store and was planning to take them to her family’s ranch in Mexico.
Barba was not a licensed gun exporter and did not have permission to export the guns to Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing July 18. At that time, Barba faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Trafficking and Aiding Gun Use, Texas 2021 · Texas
- Devonte Okeith Mathis, Marijuana Conspiracy, Texas 2021 · Arizona
- Dustin Ray Williams, Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, Texas 2021 · District of Columbia
- Steven Cappuccio, Assaulting Officers, Texas 2021 · Texas
- Tony Sullivan, Conspiracy to Interfere with Interstate Commerce by Robbery, Texas 2019 · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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