Indianapolis man gets prison for smuggling handguns to Honduras

Indianapolis man gets prison for smuggling handguns to Honduras
Lydia Coutré 8:18 p.m. EDT August 3, 2014

An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 39 months in federal prison for his involvement in a gun smuggling operation.

Alex Martinez, 41, was convicted and sentenced for making false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms and then unlawfully exporting those firearms from the United States to Honduras.

During a June 16, 2011, execution of a federal search warrant at his residence, Martinez admitted to buying 28 handguns and shipping some of the weapons to Honduras and selling others to people he knew had plans to also ship them to Honduras, according to a news release from the United States attorney’s office.

“Those who choose to make illegal straw purchases of firearms will be held strictly accountable,” said acting U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler, who announced Martinez’s conviction and sentencing Friday.

An investigation began in May 2010 when law enforcement authorities in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, found three stainless steel, Beretta 9 mm handguns hidden inside a cardboard box containing personal items and clothing. The handguns were wrapped in foam and duct tape and concealed in a plastic three-drawer CD organizer.

More:
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/08/03/indianapolis-man-gets-prison-smuggling-handguns-honduras/13554609/