Reese Family, Firearms Smuggling & Money Laundering, New Mexico 2011
In a shocking case of gun violence, the Reese family, owners of New Deal Shooting Sports in Deming, New Mexico, has been charged with multiple counts of firearms smuggling and money laundering.
According to a 10-count civil forfeiture complaint filed in the District of New Mexico, Rick Reese, his wife Terri Reese, and their two adult sons, Ryin and Remington Reese, sold firearms and ammunition to individuals who intended to smuggle them to Mexico. The complaint alleges that the Reeses knew that these firearms and ammunition were being illegally sent to Mexico.
The investigation, which included an undercover operation by federal law enforcement officials, found that the Reeses sold firearms and ammunition to confidential sources who were working with law enforcement and to undercover law enforcement agents posing as straw purchasers. The Reeses believed that these individuals intended to illegally smuggle the firearms and ammunition to Mexico.
On August 30, 2011, Rick Reese, Terri Reese, Ryin Reese, and Remington Reese were arrested on charges contained in a 30-count indictment filed in the District of New Mexico. An indictment is merely a charge, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The civil forfeiture complaint seeks forfeiture of the real property associated with New Deal, as well as approximately 1,428 firearms, 1,975,262 rounds of assorted ammunition, and $117,823 in gold and silver coins. Additionally, four vehicles registered to New Deal, assorted body armor, 17 gun safes, and one ammunition reloading bench are also being sought.
The seized properties are currently in the custody of HSI officials. The related criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lichvarcik and Armijo. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Mexico State Police, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
The Reese family's charges include conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and conspiracy to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics. The exact sentence or outcome is not specified in the source.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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