Nevada Man Admits to Weapons Trafficking and Money Laundering

A Nevada resident, Luis Alberto Osorio, confessed to purchasing firearms and ammunition for sale to Mexican drug-trafficking organizations. He also admitted to money laundering and hiring people illegally in the U.S., as reported by the Department of Justice.

Criminal Conspiracy and Activities

Osorio, alongside co-defendants, conspired from April 2020 to September of the following year. They acquired 140 firearms, magazines, and ammunition for individuals connected to violent groups in Mexico. This operation aimed to sell the firearms across the border for profit, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nevada.

The arsenal included large-caliber weapons like the Ohio Ordnance Works M2-SLR .50 BMG, Barrett rifles, and FN Herstal rifles, as per court documents. Moreover, Osorio conceded to illegally employing individuals at a Nevada mining company.

Charges and Legal Implications

Osorio pleaded guilty to multiple charges. They include straw purchasing of firearms, firearms trafficking, harboring certain aliens, and conspiracy to launder money. These charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah emphasized the impact of cutting off firearm supply chains feeding violent cartels, highlighting their role in injecting illicit drugs into communities.

Statements from Authorities

“Trafficking military-style firearms and ammunition to drug trafficking organizations strengthens criminal networks,” stated Jonathan Sherwin, a deputy special agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Las Vegas.

This legal action results from continuous efforts by HSI and the Homeland Security Task Force, alongside federal, state, and local partners, intending to disrupt the supply of weapons and support to criminal organizations.

Homeland Security Task Force Initiative

Part of this case is linked to President Donald Trump’s executive order establishing the Homeland Security Task Force. This task force aims to combat organized crime and drug trafficking through comprehensive resource deployment.

David S. Olesky, a special agent managing the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division, remarked on the synergy of drug and firearm trafficking. He affirmed that all resources and expertise would be employed to hold accountable those threatening public safety.