NOGALES, Ariz. — On Feb. 21, a federal grand jury indicted Jose Rene Murrieta, 30, of Nogales, on one count of smuggling goods from the United States, felony receipt of a firearm, and conspiracy to smuggle firearms out of the United States to promote a felony. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.
The complaint alleges that on Jan. 23, Murrieta attempted to exit the United States and enter the Republic of Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry. While searching Murrieta’s vehicle, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers located multiple rifles, pistols and magazines. During an interview, Murietta admitted he was smuggling the items to Mexico in exchange for money.
Smuggling goods from the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Felony receipt of a firearm and conspiracy to smuggle firearms out of the United States to promote a felony carry maximum penalties of 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted under criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the president signed in June 2022. The act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in Tucson Nathaniel Walters is prosecuting the case.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.