Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Six people residing in South Texas have been convicted of making false statements in the purchase of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Elder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Antonio Rafalel Ruvalcaba, 23, of Los Fresnos; Miguel Angel Luiton, 23, of San Benito; Ilse Alejandra Chazco, 23, and Ike Samuel Jr. 25, both of Brownsville; and Jose Dosal, 34, and Ester Cardenas, 28, both of Harlingen, entered guilty pleas today before U.S.  District Judge Andrew S. Hanen. 

All six individuals entered guilty pleas to making false statements and representations with respect to the information required to be kept in the records of a licensed firearm dealer. All six admitted they executed ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, indicating they were the actual buyer of the firearm. However, they were actually acquiring the weapon on behalf of another person. All also admitted they were paid a fee for each weapon they purchased.

All face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing set for March 9, 2015.

This case was investigated by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting the case.

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