A Nevada resident has admitted guilt to multiple charges involving firearms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal employment, according to the Department of Justice. Luis Alberto Osorio was implicated in buying high-powered firearms and ammunition to sell to Mexican drug-trafficking organizations.
Weapons and Allegations
Osorio, along with co-defendants, conspired between April 2020 and last September to purchase 140 firearms, magazines, and ammunition. These items were intended for affiliates of violent drug cartels in Mexico and were sold for profit. The firearms included large caliber and long-range types such as the Ohio Ordnance Works M2-SLR .50 BMG and Barrett M82A1 and M107A1 .50 BMG rifles. Court documents outlined these purchases, which also included FN Herstal M249S and SCAR 17S rifles.
Additional Charges
Besides his involvement in firearms trafficking, Osorio admitted to employing people in the United States illegally at a Nevada mining company.
Legal Proceedings
Osorio pleaded guilty to several charges, including straw purchasing of firearms, trafficking in firearms, harboring certain aliens, and conspiracy to launder money. If convicted on all counts, he could face a maximum of 70 years in prison. Sigal Chattah, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, stated that disrupting firearm trafficking networks directly impacts the operations of these criminal organizations.
Investigation and Consequences
Osorio’s sentencing is scheduled for February. Jonathan Sherwin, deputy special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas, noted that smuggling military-style firearms to drug cartels exacerbates violence and strengthens criminal networks. The relentless efforts of agencies like HSI have been crucial in disrupting these operations.
This case is a part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, established by an executive order by President Donald Trump. The initiative focuses on combating organized crime and drug trafficking.
Authorities’ Statement
David S. Olesky, a special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, emphasized the close relationship between guns and drugs in organized crime. The DEA, alongside other partners, aims to use all resources available to hold accountable those who threaten public health and safety.