In a case that highlights the destructive reach of illegal arms trade across international borders, Edson Aregullin, a 47-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for his role in a firearms trafficking operation. The conviction stems from a lengthy investigation into the illegal purchase and transportation of firearms from Georgia to Mexico, which has now culminated in Aregullin facing 71 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release.
Aregullin was found to conspire with individuals in Mexico to illegally buy over 150 firearms, including 9mm pistols and AR-style rifles, which were subsequently smuggled across the border. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the funds for these purchases came directly from the actual buyers in Mexico, encouraging Aregullin to falsely represent himself while buying the weapons. Tragically, these firearms were later used to commit violent crimes, exemplifying the grave consequences of such trafficking activities.
The investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives unearthed the grim reality of arms trafficking. One of the firearms sold by Aregullin, a .223 caliber rifle, was linked to a deadly skirmish in Guanajuato, Mexico, which left eight people dead and four wounded.
Under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods, law enforcement agencies are working together to combat violent crime and gun violence in communities across the nation. As stated by U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, "Illegal firearms trafficking wreaks havoc in communities within and outside our district." Hertzberg further noted their commitment to working alongside federal law enforcement partners to help stem the unlawful flow of firearms to criminals, as noted by the same press release.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith led the prosecution of the case.
