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Roswell Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office October 25, 2010
  • District of New Mexico (505) 346-7274

Earlier today, Carlos Martell, 38, of Roswell, pled guilty to an information charging him with making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the purchase of eight firearms in Roswell, New Mexico between July 11, 2009 and February 5, 2010. Martell admitted that he paid two individuals to purchase firearms for him so that he would not be directly linked to the firearms. According to the information filed today, the firearms purchased unlawfully on Martell’s behalf included AK-47 type assault rifles, an AR-15 assault rifle, and semi-automatic pistols. Martell admitted that he knew that some of these firearms would be sent to Mexico. Martell also admitted to transferring at least two of the firearms to individuals who could not legally possess firearms or who intended to use the firearms unlawfully.

Martell was arrested on a criminal complaint filed on June 8, 2010, and was released on bond pending trial. He remains on bond pending sentencing. Martell faces up to five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales stated: "The clear focus of these types of investigations is to prevent firearms from ending up in the hands of the Mexican Cartels for use in their violent criminal enterprises. My office and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to stemming the southbound flow of firearms into Mexico and will prosecute anyone in New Mexico who engages in this type of illegal activity."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Roswell and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Lichvarcik.

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