SAN ANTONIO – A man was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison in San Antonio Friday for purchasing about 40,000 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into Mexico, the Department of Justice said.
31-year-old Edward Sandoval's prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
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On September 6, 2012, the San Antonio resident pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods from the United States, authorities said. According to authorities, Sandoval admitted to purchasing a total of approximately 40,000 rounds of multiple caliber ammunition in January and February 2011. The purchase included 7.62 caliber and .223 caliber ammunition from a San Antonio gun shop for a friend, who informed Sandoval that the ammunition was destined to be transported from Eagle Pass, Texas to Mexico.
Sandoval further admitted that he was paid $1,500 each time he purchased ammunition for others, prosecutors said.
In February 2011, authorities in Eagle Pass said they seized approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition purchased by Sandoval prior to it being smuggled into Mexico.
This case was investigated by agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Roomberg prosecuted the case.