A shocking case of dual crimes has come to light in Texas, with a 36-year-old man pleading guilty to straw purchasing and possessing child pornography.
Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas, was charged with firearms dealing by straw purchasing over 40 firearms from an online gun broker between June 5, 2016, and May 9, 2022.
Hinojosa then arranged for these firearms to be exported into Mexico, but law enforcement was able to locate several of these weapons, linking them back to the defendant.
As part of his plea, Hinojosa admitted to attempting to smuggle more than 40 firearms, in addition to possessing videos on his phone showing minors engaging in sexual conduct.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations – Child Exploitation Task Force, also revealed that Hinojosa had been receiving child pornography on his cellphone from third parties.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani stated, ‘Hinojosa not only illegally possessed dozens of firearms, with plans to send them to Mexico, he also possessed videos of children engaged in sexual conduct.’
Hinojosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. His sentencing is set for April 24.
The defendant was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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