Special agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested a Cameron County Sheriff’s Department deputy for making false statements in the purchase of firearms, officials said Thursday.
Ezequiel Sauceda, 31, was arrested Thursday afternoon at the sheriff’s department office in Olmito, said ATF spokeswoman Franceska Perot.
"At this point the investigation is still ongoing, so we can’t release too many details," Perot said. "He was charged with three counts of providing false information in federal documents, a practice called lie and buy."
Sauceda had presented himself as the final buyer of three firearms at a local sporting goods store when in fact the firearms were destined for another person, ATF said.
Gus Reyna, chief deputy for the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, said Sauceda was dismissed from the sheriff’s department on Thursday. However, because of county policy, Reyna said he could not discuss the reasons for Sauceda’s termination.
Showing posts with label selling weapons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selling weapons. Show all posts
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Officer Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. Charged with Obtaining Merchandise by False Pretense
A Bartlesville police officer currently on administrative leave was arraigned Wednesday on charges of obtaining merchandise by false pretense.
Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. was arraigned in Nowata County on charges stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in 2007.
According to District Attorney Rick Esser, the state asked for a $5,000 bond but Special Judge Carl Gibson released Sweeten on his own recognizance.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Okahoma State Bureau of Investigation, authorities contend that Sweeten used his position at the Bartlesville Police Department to transfer a valuable Colt M-16 rifle owned by the BPD to himself for $500 by going through a Nowata gun dealer.
Authorities say the real value of the weapon has been estimated at between $8,000 and $14,000. They contend that Sweeten did this by undervaluing the cost of other weapons sold in the deal.
According to the report, Sweeten had been in contact with Nowata Firearms, a Class lll firearms dealer. The classification allows the dealer to buy and sell fully automatic weapons.
Ronald Robert Sweeten Jr. was arraigned in Nowata County on charges stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in 2007.
According to District Attorney Rick Esser, the state asked for a $5,000 bond but Special Judge Carl Gibson released Sweeten on his own recognizance.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Okahoma State Bureau of Investigation, authorities contend that Sweeten used his position at the Bartlesville Police Department to transfer a valuable Colt M-16 rifle owned by the BPD to himself for $500 by going through a Nowata gun dealer.
Authorities say the real value of the weapon has been estimated at between $8,000 and $14,000. They contend that Sweeten did this by undervaluing the cost of other weapons sold in the deal.
According to the report, Sweeten had been in contact with Nowata Firearms, a Class lll firearms dealer. The classification allows the dealer to buy and sell fully automatic weapons.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Former Detective Kris Ledford Sentenced to 4 years in Prison
Muskogee
A former Muskogee police detective has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing and selling guns taken from a police evidence room.
Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow was charged last year after an investigation by federal and local authorities. He was accused of stealing and selling at least nine guns between June 2007 and May 2008.
Ledford was also charged with one count of 'Stolen Valor' for claiming to have won a Purple Heart and Bronze Star when he in fact had not. Ledford attempted to claim trauma from combat explained his criminal behavior.
"Police officers are given the public trust by the citizen of their community," U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said in November after Ledford's guilty plea. "Kris Ledford betrayed that trust and brought dishonor to the Muskogee Police Department by committing crimes against the same citizens and police department that hired him and gave him this trust."
Ledford also faces related charges in Cherokee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
In Tulsa County, Ledford is charged with impersonating a police officer and larceny of merchandise from a retailer.
Ledford was a five-year veteran of the Muskogee Police Department.
A former Muskogee police detective has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing and selling guns taken from a police evidence room.
Kris Ledford of Broken Arrow was charged last year after an investigation by federal and local authorities. He was accused of stealing and selling at least nine guns between June 2007 and May 2008.
Ledford was also charged with one count of 'Stolen Valor' for claiming to have won a Purple Heart and Bronze Star when he in fact had not. Ledford attempted to claim trauma from combat explained his criminal behavior.
"Police officers are given the public trust by the citizen of their community," U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said in November after Ledford's guilty plea. "Kris Ledford betrayed that trust and brought dishonor to the Muskogee Police Department by committing crimes against the same citizens and police department that hired him and gave him this trust."
Ledford also faces related charges in Cherokee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
In Tulsa County, Ledford is charged with impersonating a police officer and larceny of merchandise from a retailer.
Ledford was a five-year veteran of the Muskogee Police Department.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Officer Ramon Martinez Pleads Guilty to Selling Illegal Guns
BROWNSVILLE, Texas
A former South Texas police officer has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally selling guns that wound up in Mexico.
Ramon Martinez, who at the time was a Palm Valley police officer, would buys guys from dealers and private citizens, often over the Internet, then sell them for a profit.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, guns found in Mexico and traced back to Martinez triggered the investigation.
Martinez, 37, faces five years in prison and as much $250,000 in fines for dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle set sentencing for Jan. 28.
A former South Texas police officer has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally selling guns that wound up in Mexico.
Ramon Martinez, who at the time was a Palm Valley police officer, would buys guys from dealers and private citizens, often over the Internet, then sell them for a profit.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, guns found in Mexico and traced back to Martinez triggered the investigation.
Martinez, 37, faces five years in prison and as much $250,000 in fines for dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle set sentencing for Jan. 28.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Former Officer Armando Duenez Fails to Appear for Court
A former police officer who failed to appear for arraignment on firearms charges has been indictment for failing to appear as ordered, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. The indictment was returned on Tuesday.
Armando Duenez, 26, formerly employed as a police officer with the Rio Hondo City Police Department was charged by criminal complaint on July 9 for allegedly making materially false statements to obtain firearms and unlawfully selling firearms without a license. He was arrested.
On July 10, he was ordered released on a $30,000 unsecured bond with the condition he appear as ordered at any future court proceedings. On August 5, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Duenez and Ramon Martinez, 37, also formerly employed as a police officer with the Palm Valley Police Department with conspiring to and selling firearms without a license and for making materially false statements to acquire firearms.
Both Duenez and Martinez were ordered by the court to appear for arraignment on the charges on August 14. Duenez failed to appear for the scheduled hearing and a bench warrant has issued for his arrest.
The federal charge of failing to appear as required by conditions of release carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of Duenez is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at (956) 548-2519 or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at (956) 687-5207.
More Information: http://www.kgbt4.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=207392
Armando Duenez, 26, formerly employed as a police officer with the Rio Hondo City Police Department was charged by criminal complaint on July 9 for allegedly making materially false statements to obtain firearms and unlawfully selling firearms without a license. He was arrested.
On July 10, he was ordered released on a $30,000 unsecured bond with the condition he appear as ordered at any future court proceedings. On August 5, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Duenez and Ramon Martinez, 37, also formerly employed as a police officer with the Palm Valley Police Department with conspiring to and selling firearms without a license and for making materially false statements to acquire firearms.
Both Duenez and Martinez were ordered by the court to appear for arraignment on the charges on August 14. Duenez failed to appear for the scheduled hearing and a bench warrant has issued for his arrest.
The federal charge of failing to appear as required by conditions of release carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of Duenez is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at (956) 548-2519 or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at (956) 687-5207.
More Information: http://www.kgbt4.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=207392
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Officer Accused of Smuggling in Mexico Returns to Work
A police officer who was arrested in Mexico, accused of smuggling ammunition and guns into the country earlier this month, is back in Monterey County at his post, his defense attorney said.
Presidio of Monterey police Sgt. Jorge Matos was released from jail last week after a Mexican judge reduced charges from smuggling weapons and ammunition into the country to possession of a weapon — a lesser offense in Mexico similar to a misdemeanor in the United States, his defense attorney, Andrew Liu said.
Lui said Matos is not expected to pay a fine, but he will not serve time in jail.
Hermogenes Llanes, the Soledad officer arrested along with Matos, has also returned and is in Soledad. He is under paid administrative leave while the Soledad police department conducts an internal investigation, said Soledad Police Chief Richard Cox.
Presidio of Monterey police Sgt. Jorge Matos was released from jail last week after a Mexican judge reduced charges from smuggling weapons and ammunition into the country to possession of a weapon — a lesser offense in Mexico similar to a misdemeanor in the United States, his defense attorney, Andrew Liu said.
Lui said Matos is not expected to pay a fine, but he will not serve time in jail.
Hermogenes Llanes, the Soledad officer arrested along with Matos, has also returned and is in Soledad. He is under paid administrative leave while the Soledad police department conducts an internal investigation, said Soledad Police Chief Richard Cox.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Two California Officers Arrested in Tijuana
TIJUANA
Two Northern California police officers could face up to 20 years in a Mexican prison after being caught in Tijuana with firearms and about 6,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.
The officers, identified as Hermonegenes Llanos and Jorge Luis Matos, were arrested Friday afternoon by Mexican authorities. Both are from the Monterey area.
Llanos is a patrol officer and eight-year veteran of the Soledad Police Department in Monterey County. Police Chief Richard Cox confirmed the arrest yesterday and said an internal affairs probe is under way.
Matos was identified as a civilian police sergeant at the Presidio of Monterey, an Army installation.
A U.S. consular official in Tijuana, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, said the officers could face a variety of charges, most of them involving the possession of weapons and equipment restricted under Mexican law to military use.
The official said the charges carry penalties ranging from three to 20 years in prison.
Lauren Mack, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, said Llanos and Matos were in custody at the La Mesa Penitentiary in Tijuana. However, the consular official said a Mexican federal judge ordered Llanos released on bail yesterday.
The two officers had just crossed the border at the San Ysidro port of entry when their SUV was pulled over by Mexican customs officers for a random inspection, Mack said.
The officers found two handguns and “well over 5,000 rounds of ammo” in the vehicle, one official said. A later estimate put the ammunition at 6,000 rounds, Mack said.
Two Northern California police officers could face up to 20 years in a Mexican prison after being caught in Tijuana with firearms and about 6,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.
The officers, identified as Hermonegenes Llanos and Jorge Luis Matos, were arrested Friday afternoon by Mexican authorities. Both are from the Monterey area.
Llanos is a patrol officer and eight-year veteran of the Soledad Police Department in Monterey County. Police Chief Richard Cox confirmed the arrest yesterday and said an internal affairs probe is under way.
Matos was identified as a civilian police sergeant at the Presidio of Monterey, an Army installation.
A U.S. consular official in Tijuana, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, said the officers could face a variety of charges, most of them involving the possession of weapons and equipment restricted under Mexican law to military use.
The official said the charges carry penalties ranging from three to 20 years in prison.
Lauren Mack, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, said Llanos and Matos were in custody at the La Mesa Penitentiary in Tijuana. However, the consular official said a Mexican federal judge ordered Llanos released on bail yesterday.
The two officers had just crossed the border at the San Ysidro port of entry when their SUV was pulled over by Mexican customs officers for a random inspection, Mack said.
The officers found two handguns and “well over 5,000 rounds of ammo” in the vehicle, one official said. A later estimate put the ammunition at 6,000 rounds, Mack said.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Officer Arrested While Trying to Smuggle Firearms into Mexico
SOLEDAD, Calif.
A Soledad police officer and a Presidio of Monterey police officer were arrested Friday while trying to smuggle firearms into Mexico, police said.
Police said Mexican police arrested Presidio of Monterey Sgt. Jorge Matos and the Soledad officer as they tried to enter Mexico with several firearms and ammunition. Matos is a former employee of the Soledad Police Department.
Inspectors said they recovered 5,000 rounds of ammunition, tactical training equipment and two laptop computers.
Soledad Police Chief Richard Cox said officials from the Department of Homeland Security notified his office of the arrest on Friday.
Cox said an internal audit of the Soledad Police Department armory did not show any weapons missing. The Presidio of Monterey's police department also said it had no weapons unaccounted for.
Matos was fired during his probationary period after three AR-15 rifles disappeared from his home and could not be found.
The identity of the Soledad police officer was not released.
The two men will spend a minimum of 60 to 90 days in a Mexican prison before being brought before a judge.
If convicted, they could face a minimum of 15 years in a Mexican prison.
A Soledad police officer and a Presidio of Monterey police officer were arrested Friday while trying to smuggle firearms into Mexico, police said.
Police said Mexican police arrested Presidio of Monterey Sgt. Jorge Matos and the Soledad officer as they tried to enter Mexico with several firearms and ammunition. Matos is a former employee of the Soledad Police Department.
Inspectors said they recovered 5,000 rounds of ammunition, tactical training equipment and two laptop computers.
Soledad Police Chief Richard Cox said officials from the Department of Homeland Security notified his office of the arrest on Friday.
Cox said an internal audit of the Soledad Police Department armory did not show any weapons missing. The Presidio of Monterey's police department also said it had no weapons unaccounted for.
Matos was fired during his probationary period after three AR-15 rifles disappeared from his home and could not be found.
The identity of the Soledad police officer was not released.
The two men will spend a minimum of 60 to 90 days in a Mexican prison before being brought before a judge.
If convicted, they could face a minimum of 15 years in a Mexican prison.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Officer Clay Adams Charged with Various Drug Charges Remains in Jail
Master Police Officer Clay Adams was arrested and charged with various drug and weapons charges during a joint operation conducted by the The Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
A U.S. magistrate today ordered an Altamonte Springs police officer to remain in jail while authorities continue to investigate drug and weapons charges against him.
Clay Adams, 36, of Altamonte Springs, is accused of operating marijuana-grow houses. He was arrested earlier this week. According to charging documents, Adams operated two grow houses and transported the drugs, keeping his police credentials ready should he be challenged.
He also gave a police informant the identifications of Seminole County drug agents.
Adams said little at today's hearing. Adams' attorney on Tuesday asked for a detention hearing, which prompted today's hearing. However the attorney today waived his right to the hearing, and U.S. Magistrate David Baker ordered Adams to remain in custody.
Adams was suspended by the Altamonte Springs police department immediately after his arrest. His wife, Robyn Adams, 32, was arrested on similar charges on Monday night.
A U.S. magistrate today ordered an Altamonte Springs police officer to remain in jail while authorities continue to investigate drug and weapons charges against him.
Clay Adams, 36, of Altamonte Springs, is accused of operating marijuana-grow houses. He was arrested earlier this week. According to charging documents, Adams operated two grow houses and transported the drugs, keeping his police credentials ready should he be challenged.
He also gave a police informant the identifications of Seminole County drug agents.
Adams said little at today's hearing. Adams' attorney on Tuesday asked for a detention hearing, which prompted today's hearing. However the attorney today waived his right to the hearing, and U.S. Magistrate David Baker ordered Adams to remain in custody.
Adams was suspended by the Altamonte Springs police department immediately after his arrest. His wife, Robyn Adams, 32, was arrested on similar charges on Monday night.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Officer Jason Barber Free Again on Bond
INDIANAPOLIS
A Metro police officer arrested, released on bond and then arrested again for violating his bond is out of jail once again.
Jason Barber, 32 -- charged with selling a gun to a known felon -- had his bond revoked earlier this month after he sent text messages from his personal cell phone to several officers asking that they pray for him, court documents show.
One of the conditions of his original $5,000 bond was that Barber would immediately sever all ties with officers from IMPD.
Thursday, Judge William Young said Barber had violated the spirit of his order, but not in an effort get information about his case, so he granted him bond once again.
The 8-year veteran officer was suspended with pay and recommended for termination from the department.
He faces up to an 8-year prison sentence if convicted of selling the gun to the felon.
Barber's trial is set to begin in September.
A Metro police officer arrested, released on bond and then arrested again for violating his bond is out of jail once again.
Jason Barber, 32 -- charged with selling a gun to a known felon -- had his bond revoked earlier this month after he sent text messages from his personal cell phone to several officers asking that they pray for him, court documents show.
One of the conditions of his original $5,000 bond was that Barber would immediately sever all ties with officers from IMPD.
Thursday, Judge William Young said Barber had violated the spirit of his order, but not in an effort get information about his case, so he granted him bond once again.
The 8-year veteran officer was suspended with pay and recommended for termination from the department.
He faces up to an 8-year prison sentence if convicted of selling the gun to the felon.
Barber's trial is set to begin in September.
Friday, July 04, 2008
UPDATE: Detective Jason Barber Free on Bond
INDIANAPOLIS
An Indianapolis narcotics detective facing charges of selling a handgun to a felon and official misconduct was released on bond today.
Detective Jason Barber was released after a Marion Superior Court judge reduced his bond from $100,000 to $5,000.
Barber is accused of knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted burglar during a police sting. He is the fourth Indianapolis police officer arrested in two weeks and the third narcotics detective. He has been suspended without pay.
Barber's attorney, Terrance Kinnard, says Barber denies the charges.
As a condition of his release, Judge William Young required Barber to report weekly, surrender his passport and be subject to random drug tests while awaiting his trial in September.
An Indianapolis narcotics detective facing charges of selling a handgun to a felon and official misconduct was released on bond today.
Detective Jason Barber was released after a Marion Superior Court judge reduced his bond from $100,000 to $5,000.
Barber is accused of knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted burglar during a police sting. He is the fourth Indianapolis police officer arrested in two weeks and the third narcotics detective. He has been suspended without pay.
Barber's attorney, Terrance Kinnard, says Barber denies the charges.
As a condition of his release, Judge William Young required Barber to report weekly, surrender his passport and be subject to random drug tests while awaiting his trial in September.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Accused officers' drugs cases at risk
After an Indianapolis police officer appeared in court this morning on charges he knowingly sold a firearm to a convicted burglar, the Marion County prosecutor admitted he’s worried about the fate of the investigator’s pending drug cases.
Jason Barber, 32, appeared in Marion Superior Court on charges of selling a handgun to a felon and official misconduct. Barber, a narcotics detective, was arrested at his home Friday. He is the fourth police officer to be arrested in the last two weeks.
“These officers were in this court several weeks ago testifying against defendants,” Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said after the hearing. “Now they are defendants.”
Barber is the third narcotics officer to be arrested, although police say Barber’s alleged crime had nothing to do with the federal investigation that landed his colleagues, former officers Jason Edwards and Robert Long, in jail.
The arrests have damaged more than a dozen other pending cases and could lead to successful appeals for convicted drugs dealers who may have been sent to prison based on testimony from one of the tainted officers, Brizzi said.
“Every other man and woman on the force is tarnished by this,” Brizzi said. “Every single case these officers were on becomes less strong.”
Long, Edwards and former patrol officer James Davis are accused of stealing marijuana and cash from drug dealers. They are being held in the Marion County Jail while awaiting trial in U.S. District Court.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Indiana State Police Officer Donna Elam, assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, used a confidential informant to catch Barber illegally selling the handgun.
The informant, who was not identified, gave $110 in marked cash to Barber in exchange for a .25-caliber Sundance handgun on March 16. The informant wore a hidden recording device during the transaction, which took place inside Barber’s car in the parking lot of the Walgreen’s at 711 E. 38th St., according to the document.
Barber was held Monday in the Marion County jail with bond set at $100,000. He will appear in court on Wednesday to seek to have his bond reduced.
Jason Barber, 32, appeared in Marion Superior Court on charges of selling a handgun to a felon and official misconduct. Barber, a narcotics detective, was arrested at his home Friday. He is the fourth police officer to be arrested in the last two weeks.
“These officers were in this court several weeks ago testifying against defendants,” Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said after the hearing. “Now they are defendants.”
Barber is the third narcotics officer to be arrested, although police say Barber’s alleged crime had nothing to do with the federal investigation that landed his colleagues, former officers Jason Edwards and Robert Long, in jail.
The arrests have damaged more than a dozen other pending cases and could lead to successful appeals for convicted drugs dealers who may have been sent to prison based on testimony from one of the tainted officers, Brizzi said.
“Every other man and woman on the force is tarnished by this,” Brizzi said. “Every single case these officers were on becomes less strong.”
Long, Edwards and former patrol officer James Davis are accused of stealing marijuana and cash from drug dealers. They are being held in the Marion County Jail while awaiting trial in U.S. District Court.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Indiana State Police Officer Donna Elam, assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, used a confidential informant to catch Barber illegally selling the handgun.
The informant, who was not identified, gave $110 in marked cash to Barber in exchange for a .25-caliber Sundance handgun on March 16. The informant wore a hidden recording device during the transaction, which took place inside Barber’s car in the parking lot of the Walgreen’s at 711 E. 38th St., according to the document.
Barber was held Monday in the Marion County jail with bond set at $100,000. He will appear in court on Wednesday to seek to have his bond reduced.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Officer Accused of Selling Handgun to Felon
Another Indianapolis Metro Police officer faces a criminal charge.
31-year-old Officer Jason Barber, an eight-year veteran, is accused of selling a handgun to a felon and a related charge of official misconduct.
Officer Barber, assigned to the Dangerous Drug Section of the Narcotics Branch, had been under investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force since March.
Barber worked alongside Officers Jason Edwards and Robert Long, who are both under federal indictment for drug offenses. But police say the two cases are separate and unrelated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)