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Press Release

Three Laredoans Arrested for Making False Statements When Purchasing Firearms

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

LAREDO, Texas – One woman and two men from Laredo are set to appear in court for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States by knowingly making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ivette Julissa Ramirez, 18, Jesus Abraham Ramirez, 24, and David Arnaldo Garcia, 25, are set to make their initial appearances today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon. 

According to the criminal complaint, beginning on July 29, Ivette Ramirez purchased four AK-47 type semi-automatic rifles over the course of eight days. Law enforcement officials subsequently learned she allegedly made a $3,000 deposit on a .50 caliber rifle at a federal firearm licensee in Laredo. 

The charges allege that on Aug. 13, 2019, she arrived at the licensee with Jesus Ramirez. Both were subsequently observed leaving, with Jesus Ramirez rolling a large gun case, according to the complaint.

Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered Ivette Ramirez, Jesus Ramirez and Garcia all inside the vehicle as was a Barrett .50 caliber rifle, according to the charges. 

The complaint alleges Garcia and Jesus Ramirez would provide the funds, while Ivette Ramirez made the actual firearms purchases. The firearms were allegedly going to Mexico. 

If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Updated August 16, 2019

Topic
Firearms Offenses