A federal grand jury in Arizona has indicted a Nogales man for trafficking in firearms. According to the indictment, Jose Rene Murrieta, 30, of Nogales, attempted to exit the United States and enter the Republic of Mexico with multiple rifles, pistols, and magazines.
Murrieta was stopped at the DeConcini Port of Entry on January 23, 2024. A search of his vehicle revealed the firearms and magazines, which he allegedly admitted to smuggling to Mexico in exchange for money.
The indictment charges Murrieta with Smuggling Goods from the United States, Felony Receipt of a Firearm, and Conspiracy to Smuggle Firearms Out of the United States to Promote a Felony.
These charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for Smuggling Goods from the United States, and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for Felony Receipt of a Firearm and Conspiracy to Smuggle Firearms Out of the United States to Promote a Felony.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. Murrieta is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted under the criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel Walters is handling the prosecution.
Murrieta’s case number is CR-24-00786-SHR-AMM, and the release number is 2024-022_Murrieta.
Related Federal Cases
- Julian Canastillo, Firearms Trafficking, Arizona 2025 · Alabama
- Brian Jesus Hernandez, Dealing Firearms Without a License, Arizona 2022 · Kansas
- United States v Six Firearms, Firearms Forfeiture, Arizona 2024 · Arizona
- Marquez Jeter, Unlawful Firearms Trafficking, California 2019 · California
- Shawn Saesee, Firearms Trafficking, California 2023 · Arizona
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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