United States of America v. Ivan Alexys Oseguera Vara

Laredo, Texas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with smuggling a stolen weapon and other firearms out of the country.

On June 3, Ivan Alexys Oseguera Vara, age 21, of San Antonio, Texas, drove a gray Honda Civic to the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge. He claimed to not have any firearms, ammunition or large amounts cash and was just traveling from his San Antonio home to Mexico.

During a secondary inspection, law enforcement uncovered multiple bundles wrapped in plastic and hidden within the rear bumper, undercarriage and center console. A K-9 also alerted to the vehicle.

Authorities ultimately discovered 59 rounds of ammunition, eight magazines and six firearms – three rifles and three pistols. The investigation further revealed none of the weapons were registered to Vara, and one of the handguns had been reported stolen.

Vara has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

Defendant was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay a $2,100 fine.