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Press Release

San Benito Man Sentenced For Role In Purchasing Firearms

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Danny Cantu, 24,has been sentenced to 72 months for his role in purchasing firearms by making false statements, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Robert Elder, special agent in charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Cantu pleaded guilty in July 2013.

The evidence proved Cantu had recruited nine others to purchase a total of 30 firearms by making false statements on ATF Form 4473. Those individuals claimed they were the actual buyer of the firearms when in truth and in fact they were acquiring the firearms on behalf of Cantu.

Cantu’s sentence today included upward adjustments or increases in his calculated sentencing guideline range because he engaged in trafficking of firearms by acquiring the firearms for individuals in Mexico, because he was an organizer of the criminal activity and because the offense involved more than 25 weapons.

The nine individuals Cantu recruited have all pleaded guilty and been sentenced to varying terms of probation or federal imprisonment.

ATF investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting.  

Updated April 30, 2015