San Antonio man sentenced to more than 3 years in federal prison for ammunition smuggling

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A local man was sentenced Friday to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for purchasing ammunition that was to be smuggled into Mexico. The case was investigated by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Edward Sandoval, 31, from San Antonio, pleaded guilty Sept. 6 to 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 about 40,000 rounds of multiple caliber ammunition, including 7.62mm 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 bought ammunition for others. In February 2011, authorities in Eagle Pass seized about 15,000 rounds of ammunition purchased by Sandoval before it was smuggled into Mexico.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Roomberg, Western District of Texas, prosecuted this case.