NEW ORLEANS, LA – A Honduran national learned a harsh lesson today about U.S. gun laws. SANTOS GAVARRETE-NATAREN, 36, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for knowingly violating federal regulations regarding the shipment of firearms. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhart, also includes five years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine.
The case stems from a December 2, 2013 incident at Dip Shipping, a Kenner-based common carrier. Employees discovered two handguns hidden inside a package labeled as containing innocuous “kitchen items and shoes.” The package, purportedly from Alfredo Barahona, was destined for Yessenia Martinez in Yoro, Honduras. A routine X-ray scan quickly revealed the deception.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were immediately notified and responded to Dip Shipping. A thorough inspection confirmed the presence of a Smith & Wesson model 642, .38 revolver (SN: CJJ4544) and a Lorcin model L380, .380 semi-automatic handgun (SN: 125407). The investigation quickly zeroed in on GAVARRETE as the shipper.
Crucially, GAVARRETE admitted to investigators that he failed to obtain the required export license to legally ship the firearms internationally. He also deliberately failed to inform Dip Shipping that the package contained weapons – a clear violation of federal regulations designed to prevent illegal gun trafficking. The lack of notification put the shipping employees at risk and facilitated the attempted smuggling operation.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands, especially when they are being illegally shipped across international borders,” stated U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite in a press release. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who attempt to circumvent our laws.”
Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield led the prosecution, building a solid case based on the evidence collected by HSI Special Agents. The successful outcome serves as a warning to anyone considering engaging in similar illegal activity. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal prosecutions in Louisiana and beyond, exposing the underbelly of crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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