A 25-year-old undocumented immigrant has received a prison sentence of over three years for his role in gun trafficking linked to a ruthless new wave of the Jalisco cartel in Mexico, according to Texas prosecutors on Wednesday.
Jorge Alberto Morales Carbo admitted guilt, being found involved with his accomplice in buying a significant weapon from a cartel-connected broker. This included items like a Barrett .50 caliber rifle and an FN Herstal 5.7×28 caliber pistol.
“The Department of Justice is determined to address cartels from every angle, prosecuting not only the members of these groups but also those who facilitate their operations,” a representative stated.
On the day a $16,000 contract was due, Morales Carbo was sitting in a car while his 45-year-old co-defendant, Homelo Arteaga, finalized the deal when law enforcement arrived on the scene.
Prosecutors explained that the two tried to flee but didn’t manage to leave the parking area.
Morales Carbo pled guilty on January 8, was sentenced this week to three years and five months in federal prison, and will be turned over to immigration officials for deportation upon his release.
Arteaga also pleaded guilty on November 21 and received nearly a five-year prison sentence.
“Trafficking firearms for violent cartels is illegal and contributes to a dangerous cycle of violence on both sides of the border,” noted a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This case highlights the seriousness with which we approach these offenses and our commitment to dismantling the illegal arms trade.”
