San Antonio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Ammunition Smuggling

In San Antonio this morning, United States District Judge sentenced 31-year-old Edward Sandoval to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for purchasing approximately 40,000 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into the Republic of Mexico, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Monica Mapel.

On September 6, 2012, the San Antonio resident pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods from the United States. According to the factual basis filed in this case, in January and February 2011, Sandoval admittedly purchased a total of approximately 40,000 rounds of multiple caliber ammunition, including 7.62 caliber and .223 caliber, from a San Antonio gun shop for a friend who informed Sandoval that the ammunition was destined for Mexico via Eagle Pass, Texas. Sandoval further admitted that he was paid $1,500 each time he purchased ammunition for others. In February 2011, authorities in Eagle Pass seized approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition purchased by Sandoval prior to it being smuggled into Mexico.

This case was investigated by agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Roomberg prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.