Man admits to crossing firearms into Mexico, sentenced to 3 years in federal prison

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 54-year-old man was sentenced for illegally exporting firearms from the U.S. to Mexico, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On July 11, Elmer Espinoza-Ortega pleaded guilty to his crimes.

On May 26, Espinoza-Ortega attempted to cross the United States through the Anzalduas Port of Entry.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, authorities found a firearm magazine in Ezpinoza-Ortega's pocket during an inspection.

After authorities thoroughly searched Ezpinoza-Ortega's vehicle, they found four firearms and five firearm magazines concealed in the bumper of the vehicle.

During his plea, he admitted he did not possess a license to export the firearms and ammunition. He also admitted to knowing there were firearms in his vehicle and he intended to cross them into Mexico, the release stated.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Espinoza-Ortega to serve three years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Espinoza-Ortega is pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.