Jose Mario Moreno Parada, International Arms Trafficking, Florida 2019

Arms Trafficker Sentenced to 8 Years and 4 Months in Prison in Florida

A notorious arms trafficker has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term in Florida after being caught smuggling goods from the United States and possessing firearms with obliterated serial numbers.

Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jose Mario Moreno Parada, 37, of Naples, to eight years and four months in federal prison for his involvement in a string of crimes that put countless lives at risk.

According to court documents, Parada and his coconspirators purchased rifles in southwest Florida, obliterated their serial numbers, concealed them in vehicles, and then arranged to export the loaded vehicles to South America. In 2018, in connection with this case, 133 firearms, concealed in three vehicles and destined for Bolivia, were intercepted by law enforcement in south Florida.

Parada had pleaded guilty on May 10, 2019, and the court has also ordered him to forfeit the firearms involved in the offenses. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

The sentencing of Parada comes as a major victory for law enforcement agencies who have been working tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle arms trafficking networks in the region. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of arms trafficking and the importance of continued efforts to combat this crime.

Parada’s prison sentence is a testament to the determination of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. The people of Florida can rest a little easier knowing that Parada will be behind bars for a significant amount of time.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and expose the dark underbelly of crime in Florida, our commitment to holding those responsible for these crimes accountable remains unwavering. We will continue to shine a light on the devastating impact of arms trafficking and work tirelessly to bring about justice for the victims and their families.

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