Kenny Davalos, Lying to Buy Firearms, Texas 2013

HOUSTON, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, 24-year-old Kenny Davalos, a Houston resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make and making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee.

The case, which was initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in November 2012, reveals a complex web of deceit and gun trafficking. Davalos, along with three other co-conspirators, Charles Smith, Ashley Phlegm, and Dyneisha Jackson, allegedly worked together to purchase and transport firearms to Mexico.

According to investigators, Davalos originally contacted Smith, a convicted felon, to purchase guns on his behalf. However, Smith refused, citing his criminal history. Undeterred, Davalos paid Jackson and Phlegm $200 each to purchase seven firearms, which were then allegedly smuggled into Mexico.

In October 2012, a GP WASR-10 7.62x39mm rifle was discovered during a raid on a drug trafficking organization in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. ATF agents traced the weapon to Jackson, who had purchased it from Collectors Firearms, an FFL in Houston, on September 28, 2012.

During the course of the investigation, agents intercepted Jackson purchasing a Romarm Model WASR 10/63 semi-automatic rifle and delivering it to Davalos. Upon his arrest, agents found five rounds of .223 live ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62x39 Tulammo live ammunition, and $1,340 in cash, as well as a Mexican identification card.

Davalos will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has been set for October 3, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan J. Paulson is prosecuting this case.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun trafficking and the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what other charges may be brought against the defendants.

Mandatory facts of the case include:

* Defendant: Kenny Davalos, 24, of Houston, Texas.

* Charges: Conspiracy to make and making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee.

* City and State: Houston, Texas.

* Date: November 2012 (investigation initiated).

* Sentence: Pending sentencing on October 3, 2013.

* Dollar Amounts: $1,340 in cash.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/houston-man-convicted-lying-and-buying-firearms