Man sentenced after attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Guadalajara resident was sentenced after attempting to smuggle firearms and rounds of ammunition on a vehicle roof rack, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Jose De Jesus Pena Dieguez pleaded guilty on March 27. On Tuesday, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Dieguez to serve two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

On Jan 11, Dieguez attempted to cross into Mexico through the Progreso Port of Entry in a Nissan Xterra, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

During the inspection, authorities saw tampering on the screws of a compartment connected to the vehicle's roof rack. Additionally, an x-ray showed anomalies within the compartment, the release stated.

Authorities found 16 firearms, 31 firearm magazines, assorted firearm parts and 800 rounds of ammunition.

According to the release, Dieguez admitted to authorities he purchased the firearms and planned to export them to Mexico illegally.

"At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Dieguez had previously exported firearms to Mexico on several prior occasions," said Alamdar S. Hamdani, U.S. Attorney.

Dieguez is pending a transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons.