Edward Sandoval, Ammunition Smuggling, Texas 2012

A San Antonio man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in smuggling thousands of rounds of ammunition into Mexico.

United States District Judge in San Antonio sentenced 31-year-old Edward Sandoval to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for purchasing approximately 40,000 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into the Republic of Mexico, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Monica Mapel.

The ammunition was destined for Mexico via Eagle Pass, Texas, and Sandoval was paid $1,500 each time he purchased ammunition for others, according to the factual basis filed in this case.

On September 6, 2012, Sandoval pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods from the United States.

This case was investigated by agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Roomberg prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.

In February 2011, authorities in Eagle Pass seized approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition purchased by Sandoval prior to it being smuggled into Mexico.

The ammunition included 7.62 caliber and .223 caliber rounds, totaling over 40,000 rounds.

Sandoval's sentencing brings an end to a case that highlighted the serious consequences of ammunition smuggling.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/san-antonio-man-sentenced-federal-prison-ammunition-smuggling