Local man admits to attempting to smuggle ammunition

LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year old Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to attempting to smuggle ammunition out of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Obed Rafael Cuevas-Serratos admitted that on Aug. 24, he purchased 13,000 rounds of 7.62x39 millimeter ammunition in San Antonio. The following day, his car attempted to cross into Mexico.

As part of his plea, Cuevas-Serratos admitted he hired a juvenile to cross the ammunition into Mexico for him.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Feb. 22, 2021. At that time, Cuevas-Serratos faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.