A federal jury convicted Houston-area woman Karina Deluna of straw purchasing firearms, including multiple AR-15 style rifles and a .50-caliber rifle, which were intended for illegal export to Mexico.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, following less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found Deluna, 37, guilty on one count of conspiracy and seven counts of making false statements to firearms dealers, the conspiracy spanned from late September 2018 through August 2022 during which Deluna and her accomplices obtained at least 13 firearms under false pretenses, one of which had a price tag of $9,000 and was intercepted by authorities as Deluna attempted to take possession of it from a federal firearms licensee.
These illegal activities were brought to light as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, a joint effort by federal, state, and local agencies to reduce violent crime through targeted enforcement and community engagement, according to official statements.
The conviction took place after a four-day trial overseen by U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks, who scheduled sentencing for November 19 where Deluna could face up to 40 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 notwithstanding she was released on bond prior to the trial, she was taken into custody immediately after the guilty verdicts were read.
Prosecutors utilized expert testimony to detail the regulations and processes required for legal exportation of firearms, highlighting the contrast with the defendants' actions; the investigation received substantial support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Homeland Security Investigations and the Departments of Commerce and State, with special mention to ATF Mexico for their role in recovering some of the straw-purchased weapons.
