AZMEX EXTRA 2-2-19

AZMEX EXTRA 2 FEB 2019

Note: more interesting that the usual smuggling plot. Will they get probation?
Thx



3 arrested near Sierra Vista in machine-gun smuggling plot
By Terri Jo Neff For the Herald/Review Jan 26, 2019

https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/crime/arrested-near-sierra-vista-in-machine-gun-smuggling-plot/article_935af924-21a6-11e9-adb4-23c2f72a2adb.html

3 arrested near Sierra Vista in machine-gun smuggling plot
Mug shot - Victor H. Bocanegra

TUCSON — Three Cochise County residents (?) were arrested earlier this month near Sierra Vista after attempting to take delivery of five machine guns worth nearly $50,000 they ordered with the intent to deliver them to Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, Victor A. Bocanegra, Kathia V. Bocanegra, and Victor H. Bocanegra are charged with attempting to export the FN Herstal M249 machine guns in violation of numerous federal codes.

The belt-fed guns — also known as the squad-automatic weapon or "SAW" in the U.S. Army — weigh 22 pounds when loaded and can fire 650 to 800 rounds per minute, each capable of traveling 3,000 feet per second.


The complaint signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. Rossi states the Bocanegras, who range in age from 18 to 22 and are U.S. citizens, drove from Mexico into Arizona several times last year to order the guns. They deposited $32,020 toward a total purchase price of $46,698, even though records from the Arizona Department of Economic Security show none of the them reported any income last year.

The trio was arrested Jan. 9 when they traveled to the Sierra Vista area with another $6,000 hoping to take possession of the firearms. All three remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending a detention and dangerousness hearing on Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the U.S. District Court in Tucson.


In the complaint, Special Agent Robert Edwards of Homeland Security Investigations notes authorities believe the Bocanegras don't live in Arizona even though they provided home addresses in Pirtleville near Douglas when arrested.

"Agents were able to establish via border crossings, electronic surveillance, and physical observation that none of the defendants reside in Arizona, and in fact reside in Mexico," Edwards wrote. "After waiving their Miranda rights, Victor H. Bocanegra and Kathia V. Bocanegra both stated that the FN Herstal M249 Machine Guns they purchased and attempted to transport were intended for Mexico."


Victor A. Bocanegra denied knowing about the plan, Edwards wrote, even though the other two said he "was aware of the plan to illegally purchase and export [the guns] to Mexico."

Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation and arrest, including the Sierra Vista Police Department.

END