U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of Texas
Tim Johnson - Acting United States Attorney

BROWNSVILLE MAN SENTENCED FOR HIS ROLE IN PURCHASING FIREARMS

(BROWNSVILLE, Texas) – Jose Angel Perez, 30, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for making false statements in relation to purchasing firearms, acting United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. Perez was convicted in December of last year following his guilty plea to making false statements in firearm records. He was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew S. Hanen.

Perez recruited two women to purchase a total of three firearms on his behalf. Those women executed a Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473, Firearm Transaction Record, falsely stating they were the actual buyer of the firearms when, in truth and in fact, they were acquiring the firearms on behalf of Perez.

Perez’s 30-month sentence includes upward adjustments or increases in his calculated sentencing guideline range because he engaged in trafficking of firearms by acquiring the firearms for individuals in Mexico, he was an organizer of the criminal activity, he attempted to obstruct or impede the administration of justice with respect to the investigation of the offense and because the offense involved three weapons.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hanen imposed a three-year-term of supervised release. During the first two years that that term, Perez must perform 200 hours of community service. The court has permitted Perez to remain on bond pending an ordered to surrender to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.

This case was investigated by agents with ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angel Castro.

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