SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Jose Manuel Barbosa-Torres, 36, of West Valley City, Utah, is headed to federal prison after admitting to bankrolling a scheme to smuggle high-powered rifles across the border into Mexico. Barbosa-Torres was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release Monday following a guilty plea to three counts of aiding and abetting false statements during firearm transactions.
Federal prosecutors detailed in court how Barbosa-Torres funded the purchase, or attempted purchase, of multiple .50 caliber Barrett rifles in August 2023. His co-defendants allegedly filled out ATF Form 4473s falsely claiming they were the actual buyers, a clear violation of federal law. The scheme revolved around acquiring the weapons for an unknown individual who intended to transport them south of the border.
“Barbosa-Torres purchased or facilitated the purchase of at least eight .50 BMG caliber rifles knowing they would be trafficked to Mexico,” stated U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “These weapons have the capacity to inflict massive destruction.” Higgins’ office vowed continued aggressive prosecution of firearm trafficking cases that could fuel violence both locally and internationally.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers highlighted the international scope of the operation. “ATF is on the frontline of the fight against organized international firearms trafficking,” Beavers said. “We are grateful for the collaboration between ATF and our industry partners which played a significant role in stopping the illegal flow of firearms into the hands of Sinaloa Cartel members in Mexico.” The agency believes the rifles were intended for use by the notorious drug cartel.
Barbosa-Torres is the first of four defendants to be sentenced in the case, which originated with an October 2023 indictment. Iliana Dennis is scheduled to be sentenced April 22nd. Armando Figueroa Jr. and Cecilio Luis Arriaga are still awaiting trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria McFarland is prosecuting the case.
The investigation falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in 2021, emphasizing community engagement and strategic enforcement. While the feds tout community outreach, the case demonstrates a clear focus on disrupting the flow of weapons to criminal organizations.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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