Robert Jacaman Sr., Conspiring to Smuggle Firearm Ammunition, Texas 2014

LAREDO, Texas – Robert Jacaman Sr., 60, former owner of Jacaman Guns and Ammo, has received his federal sentence for conspiring to smuggle firearm ammunition and magazines to Mexico, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio and Special Agent in Charge Robert Elder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Jacaman pleaded guilty Jan. 28, 2014. Now a convicted felon, he surrendered his federal firearms license, is no longer a firearms dealer and is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and destructive devices.

“Today’s sentence is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in creating a safer community for the citizens of Laredo and the surrounding area,” said Ayala. “Seizing illicit weapons and proceeds, and arresting those who attempt to illegally use and smuggle weaponry is a priority for HSI.”

Today, visiting U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison handed Jacaman a total sentence of 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay a $4,000 fine. At the hearing, Jacaman testified that he is currently blind and in constant physical pain due to a motorcycle injury in 1984 and requires around-the-clock attention.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Ellison noted Jacaman had those ailments when he committed the crime and, although sympathetic to his ailments, believed the Bureau of Prisons could accommodate someone with his medical conditions.

“Enforcing the federal firearms laws through a cooperative effort with ATF Industry Operations, as well as Laredo Police Department and Border Patrol is paramount to our Frontline Strategy of utilizing our resources to have the greatest impact,” said Elder. “While 99% of federal firearms licensees abide by ATF regulations, it is paramount that we remain vigilant against the outlier who markets firearms illegally.”

Jacaman had admitted to unlawfully conspiring with others to fraudulently and knowingly export .223 caliber and 7.62 mm ammunition and high capacity rifle magazines designed to fit AR 15-type and AK47-type firearms, contrary to the Arms Export Control Act. Several violations Jacaman committed as part of the conspiracy were discussed with federal U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga, who presided over the guilty plea in January.

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