Two Edinburg men sentenced for gun scheme

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two Edinburg residents were sentenced for a scheme involving guns being transported into Mexico.

Mario Elier Leal, 22, was ordered to serve eight years in prison, while Rodolfo Benitez-Garza, 24, will serve a year and a half.

In July 2024, authorities discovered a suspected straw purchasing attempt involving Benitez-Garza and another person who attempted to obtain three AK-47 variant rifles.

Benitez-Garza falsely claimed the rifles were for personal use when they were intended for Leal.

At the hearings, the court heard additional evidence that described how Benitez-Garza and the other person purchased the firearms on behalf of Leal.

The court noted Leal was aware the firearms were to be transported into Mexico, and that he played a significant role in recruiting others to purchase firearms on his behalf.

The investigation also revealed that Leal provided the money for the purchases and offered Benitez-Garza approximately $300 for assistance.

Authorities identified 13 other firearms suspected of being purchased for Leal.

As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, Leal is prohibited from owning a firearm per federal law.

Benitez-Garza remains on bond while Leal remains in custody.