Elmer Espinoza-Ortega, Illegal Export of Firearms, Texas 2024

McALLEN, Texas - A local man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a scheme to illegally export firearms from the United States into Mexico.

Elmer Espinoza-Ortega, 54, was sentenced to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On July 11, Espinoza-Ortega pleaded guilty to the charges.

The case began when Espinoza-Ortega attempted to exit the United States through the Anzalduas Port of Entry on May 26. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered a firearm magazine in his pocket.

A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed four firearms and five firearm magazines concealed in the bumper of the vehicle.

At the time of his plea, Espinoza-Ortega admitted he did not possess a license to export firearms or ammunition, he knew the firearms were in his vehicle and he intended to transport the firearms into Mexico.

Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.

Defendant: Elmer Espinoza-Ortega

Criminal Charges: Illegal Export of Firearms

City and State: McAllen, Texas

Exact Date: July 11, 2023 (plea date), May 26, 2023 (crime date)

Sentence or Outcome: 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/illegal-export-multiple-firearms-sends-mexican-national-prison