A Mexican resident has been sentenced for straw purchasing firearms intended for export to Mexico, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Martha Padron, aged 29, pleaded guilty on September 11 to making false statements during a firearm purchase.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton sentenced Padron to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. During the hearing, evidence was presented that Padron communicated with another individual to purchase firearms for exportation to Mexico. The court learned that between 2021 and 2023, Padron purchased 58 firearms. She frequently crossed from Mexico into the United States, made the purchases, and returned to Mexico on the same day.
On May 2, 2022, Padron falsely stated on required forms that she resided in the United States. However, investigations revealed that she lived in Mexico and regularly crossed into the U.S. for firearm purchases. Further investigations highlighted the ongoing nature of her criminal activities.
Padron will remain in custody until she is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to her arrest and conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran III and Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.