GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Tampa, Florida – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has unleashed a重磅 charge against Esai Pastrana Cruz, a 30-year-old from Puerto Rico, for his alleged role in the illegal straw purchasing of dozens of firearms.
The United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced that a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pastrana Cruz with conspiring to make and making false statements to a firearms dealer. If convicted, the defendant could face up to 15 years in federal prison – five for conspiracy and ten for each substantive count.
According to the indictment, between June 29, 2019, and December 22, 2023, Pastrana Cruz operated within the Middle District of Florida. During this time, he purchased numerous firearms on behalf of his co-conspirators, falsely claiming to be the actual buyer or transferee.
It’s important to note that an indictment is simply a formal charge and does not indicate guilt; Pastrana Cruz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was a result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. It is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at eliminating cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile case as it unfolds in the gritty world of federal crime news.
RELATED: Father-Daughter Duo Hit with Money Laundering Rap
RELATED: Father-Daughter Duo Nabbed in PR Money Laundering
Related Federal Cases
- Puerto Rican Woman Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Distribution · Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico Man Pleads Guilty to $5M Investment Scheme · Puerto Rico
- Haitian Community Targeted: Menard Indicted in $600K Fraud · Puerto Rico
- Orlando Felon Sentenced For Machinegun, Silencer Possession · Puerto Rico
- Jose Avianeda-Espinoza Gets 3 Years for Identity Fraud · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News