Local Gun Store Owner and Wife Arrested for Numerous Alleged Firearms Violations

Laredo, Texas – Robert Jacaman Sr. and his wife, Veronica Jacaman, have been arrested following the return of an 11-count federal indictment alleging a variety of violations associated with the selling of firearms and ammunition, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. During the enforcement action today, agents also executed search warrants on the couple's residence and businesses, Jacaman Guns and Ammo at 504 E. Calton Road in Laredo and A-Frame 4 You, which is adjacent to the gun store.

"Today's arrests demonstrate our commitment to responding and addressing the supply and smuggling of illegal munitions into Mexico," said Jerry Robinette, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio. "HSI remains committed to dismantling organizations involved in the smuggling of firearms and ammunition to organized criminals in Mexico."

The couple was arrested without incident just a short time ago at their residence. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at which time the Unites States will seek the their detention pending further criminal proceedings.

The sealed indictment, returned Aug. 14, 2012, was automatically unsealed today upon their arrests by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted by local law enforcement officers.

"Two of ATF's priorities are preventing firearms and ammunition from being trafficking to Mexico and regulating the firearms industry," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Melvin King Jr. "ATF's partnership with HSI and the Laredo Police Department made this operation a success."

The 11-count indictment charges them with conspiring to provide and providing ammunition and firearm magazines for smuggling into Mexico, selling ammunition to illegal aliens and to a convicted felon and selling an assault rifle to a convicted felon.

From on or about January to July 2012, the Jacamans allegedly conspired with each other to acquire large quantities of ammunition and high-capacity firearms magazines for sale and delivery to others knowing they were intended to be exported to Mexico. Both are also charged with four counts of Illegal sale of ammunition and one count of illegal sale of a firearm to a prohibited person. Specifically, the indictment alleges they sold thousands of rounds of .223 caliber ammunition to an illegal alien unlawfully in the United States, 1,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition and 1,000 rounds of 7.62x39mm to an alien admitted into the United States under a nonimmigrant visa as well as two instances of selling hundreds of rounds of .223 caliber ammunition to a convicted felon. They also allegedly sold a CMMG, Model 4SA, semi-automatic rifle to a convicted felon. Included in the indictment are also two charges of illegal export of ammunition and three counts of illegal exportation of firearm magazines to include more than 10,000 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 28,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition and 788 high-capacity assault rifle magazines. The indictment charges them with knowingly facilitating the sale of such items knowing they were intended for exportation to Mexico contrary to the laws and regulations of the United States.

All firearms, ammunition and magazines referenced in the indictment were intercepted before being delivered to Mexico.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, the Jacamans each face up to five years in prison as well as a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of the illegal sale and illegal exportation charges. All charges also carry a possible fine of up to $250,000 on each count of conviction.

The case is being investigated by HSI and ATF with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Several police officers have been cross-designated as ATF Task Force officers working directly with the federal agency, assisting in the investigation of this and other crimes. Assistant United States Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.

One of HSI's top priorities is the dismantling of organizations involved in the smuggling of firearms to Mexican drug cartels. The collective expertise and authorities of our law enforcement partners during this investigation significantly contributed to preventing hundreds of rifles and handguns from reaching violent criminal organizations and prosecuting those who were responsible.