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August 16, 2019Laredo, TX, United StatesContraband

3 Laredo residents charged with making false statements when purchasing firearms

Defendants were purchasing AK-47 type semi-automatic rifles that were destined for Mexico

LAREDO, Texas — One woman and two men from Laredo were arrested and charged Aug. 16, 2019, with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States by knowingly making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm.

This charge was announced by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Southern District of Texas. This case is being investigated by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF).  

Ivette Julissa Ramirez, 18, Jesus Abraham Ramirez, 24, and David Arnaldo Garcia, 25, from Laredo were charged by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.

According to the criminal complaint, beginning July 29, Ivette Ramirez purchased four AK-47 type semi-automatic rifles over the course of eight days.

Law enforcement officials subsequently learned she allegedly made a $3,000 deposit on a .50 caliber rifle at a federal firearm licensee in Laredo.

The charges allege that on Aug. 13 she arrived at the licensee with Jesus Ramirez.

Both were subsequently observed leaving, with Jesus Ramirez rolling a large gun case.

Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered Ivette Ramirez, Jesus Ramirez and Garcia all inside the vehicle with a Barrett .50 caliber rifle.

The complaint alleges Garcia and Jesus Ramirez would provide the funds, while Ivette Ramirez made the actual firearms purchases. The firearms were allegedly going to Mexico.

If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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