Manuel Francisco Gomez-Perales, Alien Firearms Smuggling, Texas 2011

Manuel Francisco Gomez-Perales, 31, Sentenced to 114 Months for Alien Firearms Smuggling

McALLEN, Texas – In a shocking case of firearms smuggling, Manuel Francisco Gomez-Perales, a 31-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 114 months in prison for possessing firearms he intended to take to Mexico.

Gomez-Perales, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, pleaded guilty to being an alien, illegally and unlawfully present in the United States, in possession of firearms on September 7, 2011. His sentencing was handled by Chief United States District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa.

The investigation began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents located Gomez-Perales and his vehicle, which contained four AKM type rifles with obliterated serial numbers. Gomez-Perales attempted to flee the scene, crashing his vehicle into a utility pole and abandoning his common law spouse and child before being apprehended by law enforcement.

During the investigation, Gomez-Perales admitted to acquiring the firearms with the intent to ship them to other persons in Mexico. He further admitted that he was deported before he could transfer the firearms, and he had returned to the United States to complete the transfer as originally planned.

Gomez-Perales has been in custody since his arrest and will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The investigation was conducted by HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pharr Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Steven Schammel, with AUSA Jason C. Honeycutt handling the sentencing.

Gomez-Perales’ sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of firearms smuggling and the consequences of attempting to bring illicit firearms into the United States. His case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in preventing gun violence and protecting national security.

The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

**Related Stories:** Texas Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking, Former Houston Police Officer Charged with Public Corruption

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