A San Antonio man, described by authorities as a prolific trafficker of firearms, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison. Joel Alejandro Martinez, known by his alias Bo Jackson, was found guilty of dealing in stolen firearms through online platforms, affirm officials.
According to a U.S. Department of Justice release, the 26-year-old was caught after an undercover operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It began when Martinez posted an offer to sell two pistols and later delivered a .308 caliber rifle to an undercover ATF agent for $1,100 in cash – an operation which, his mother Margarita Hernandez Martinez aided by providing transportation.
Subsequent communications between Martinez and the undercover agent revealed the extent of his operations; Martinez bragged about having access to "AR-style rifles and pistols" and said he purchased guns, often stolen or linked to crimes, in large quantities. Throughout the ATF's sting operation, Martinez sold firearms to the undercover agent multiple times, confirming in one instance he knew or had reason to believe at least one of the firearms was stolen, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Martinez's sentencing to 151 months took place in a federal court in San Antonio, under District Court Judge Jason K. Pulliam. His accomplice and mother, Hernandez Martinez, did not escape scrutiny either, as she was sentenced on April 25 to 40 months in prison for her role in aiding and abetting her son's illicit trade. These sentences mark a significant victory for U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas, representing a stern warning to others engaged in similar illegal activities.
The prosecution of the case was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zack Parsons and serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against firearm trafficking on the streets of America.
