MEXICAN CITIZEN SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED ARMS EXPORTATION

(McALLEN, Texas) - Juan Carlos Bocanegra, 22, a resident of Mexico unlawfully residing in the United States has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the attempted exportation of firearms and magazines of ammunition from the U.S. into Mexico, United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence today. 

On Dec. 14, 2007, Bocanegra was taken into custody as he attempted to depart the United States through the southbound lanes of the Rio Grande City Port of Entry. At primary inspection, Bocanegra told agents he was not exporting any firearms from the United States. However, at secondary inspection the door to Bocanegra’s van was opened and a rifle case was observed on the backseat. Inside the case, agents discovered a disassembled .50 BMG caliber semiautomatic rifle, a magazine for the .50 BMG caliber rifle, a .223 caliber AR-15 and three aftermarket AR-15 magazines. 

Bocanegra has been in custody without bond since his arrest and will remain in custody to serve his prison sentence. He is subject to deportation upon release from prison.

The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Schammel.    

# # #