Florida Men Plead Guilty Relating To Their Involvement In Illegal Possession Of A Firearm

RUBEN JAUREGUI, 24, and FRANCISCO MALDONADO, 46, both of Dade City, Florida, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to misprision of a felony, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.

According to the factual basis, between February 6 and March 21, 2013, RUBEN JAUREGUI and FRANCISCO MALDONADO both travelled from Florida with a co-defendant, Jaime Jauregui, who was travelling to the Eastern District of Louisiana to negotiate the purchase of weapons.  Jaime Jauregui possessed a weapon, specifically, a Colt M4, .233 caliber automatic assault rifle that is classified as a firearm under Federal Law. RUBEN JAUREGUI and FRANCISCO MALDONADO knew that Jaime Jauregui was a convicted felon, who could not possess a firearm, but they assisted Jaime Jauregui by willfully concealing his possession of the firearm and did not report this crime as soon as possible to the lawful authorities. 

Both RUBEN JAUREGUI and FRANCISCO MALDONADO face a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000.00 and one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2013.

This investigation was conducted by Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Weir.

(Download Factual Basis - Francis Maldonad )

(Download Factual Basis - Ruben Jauregui )