Florida Men Charged in Grenade and Machine Gun Conspiracy

Florida Men Charged in Grenade and Machine Gun Conspiracy

JAIME JAUREGUI, RUBEN JAUREGUI, and FRANCISCO MALDONADO, three men from Florida, have been charged with a serious crime. According to a recent indictment, the men conspired to transport destructive devices and machine guns, including M-60 Grenades and AK-47 automatic assault rifles, across state lines.

According to the indictment, the men allegedly conspired with each other and others to transport the firearms, which are deemed destructive devices and machineguns, from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas, Florida, and elsewhere. The conspiracy count alleges that on four occasions from January 2012 through March 21, 2013, JAIME JAUREGUI met with undercover agents in St. Tammany Parish to negotiate the purchase of more than 100 fully automatic assault rifles, grenade launchers, grenades, and night vision goggles, some of which were destined for a Mexican drug trafficking cartel.

JAIME JAUREGUI provided a cash deposit of approximately $46,000.00 during those meetings. JAIME JAUREGUI hired FRANCISCO MALDONADO and RUBEN JAUREGUI to assist him with transporting the weapons to the final destinations. None of the men have federal firearms or export licenses.

JAIME JAUREGUI is also charged with one count of illegal possession of unregistered firearms, specifically, two Colt M4 automatic assault rifles. If convicted of the conspiracy count, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a 3-year term of supervised release. JAIME JAUREGUI faces additional penalties for the illegal firearms possession charge of up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a 3-year term of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being investigated by Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Weir.

The indictment highlights the severity of the crime and the potential consequences for those involved. The men allegedly conspired to transport destructive devices and machine guns, which poses a significant threat to public safety. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to preventing the trafficking of illegal firearms and destructive devices.

The case is a reminder of the importance of complying with federal firearms laws and regulations. The men involved in the conspiracy allegedly failed to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, which led to the indictment.

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