U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
An Austin resident has been charged with smuggling firearms into Mexico, according to a recent announcement. Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, 39, was arrested at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on January 19 while attempting to cross from the United States into Mexico.
Court documents reveal that Diego-Avellaneda made a negative declaration regarding weapons, ammunition, and currency before being referred for a secondary inspection. During this inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly found 40 rifles, six shotguns, one pistol, 80 magazines, and two rifle scopes in two large duffel bags. Diego-Avellaneda allegedly admitted to receiving approximately $100 for each firearm smuggled into Mexico and claimed ownership of 11 of the firearms.
He is facing one count of smuggling goods out of the United States. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Garland and Katherine Gorski are handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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