Charles Anthony Lecara, Straw Purchase Scheme, Texas 2022

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A notorious straw purchase scheme in San Antonio has come to an end with a lengthy prison sentence for a 43-year-old local man.

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Charles Anthony Lecara, aka “Eric,” “Bloodhound,” was sentenced to 87 months in prison for aiding and abetting false statements in connection with firearm purchases.

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Between March and June 2018, Lecara conspired with others to purchase firearms by making false statements and representations to firearm dealers. The co-conspirators acted as straw purchasers, claiming the guns were purchased by them for their use. However, Lecara directed the conspirators on which firearms to purchase, focusing on firearms popular with Mexican cartels, and took possession of them shortly after they were purchased.

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In August 2018, numerous firearms purchased on Lecara’s behalf were recovered in a stash location in San Antonio along with a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine.

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“This case illustrates why our office and law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal firearms laws,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Lying and buying schemes such as this endanger the public and offenders who sign on the dotted line should expect to do hard time.”

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has no greater mission than keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals. This case not only demonstrates the lengths to which criminals will go to acquire firearms, but more importantly, ATF’s expertise and commitment to investigating such violations of federal law.

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Lecara has remained in federal custody since his arrest on July 22, 2021. On January 13, 2022, Lecara pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms.

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