Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Two Individuals Arrested for Firearm Violations
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On August 5, 2016, Julio Rodríguez-Marquez and Josué Méndez-Rivera were charged by way of a criminal complaint with conspiring to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and with dealing in firearms without a license, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Throughout the course of the investigation, ATF agents seized four AR-15-variant rifles and a handgun.
Between May and August of 2016, Julio Rodríguez-Marquez arranged various firearms transactions with the assistance of co-conspirator Josué Méndez-Rivera who delivered a rifle to a buyer on two separate occasions. Méndez-Rivera intended to sell another rifle today when he was arrested. ATF agents also arrested Rodríguez-Marquez at his residence, where they executed a search warrant. During the execution of the search warrant, agents found a firearm which Rodríguez-Marquez was not licensed to possess, and materials used to manufacture home-made firearms.
If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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