United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown has announced that Dwayne Ronquillo, a 52-year-old Shreveport man, has pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms. Ronquillo entered his plea before United States Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby.
Court records reveal that Ronquillo, a Federal Firearms License holder, operated a booth at the Greenwood flea market in Louisiana in April 2024. During this time, he sold firearms despite knowing the buyer had a felony conviction. On April 20, 2024, he sold a Ruger Security-9 pistol and ammunition for $500 cash to an individual who disclosed his felony status.
Further communication between the buyer and Ronquillo led to another transaction on April 25, 2024. The individual purchased a DPMS A-15 pistol for $1,000 cash from Ronquillo in Shreveport.
On May 29, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Ronquillo's residence and licensed premises. They seized 75 firearms along with various ammunition and magazines. In court, Ronquillo admitted he was aware that selling firearms to convicted felons was illegal.
“This defendant shamelessly and recklessly put firearms and ammunition in the hands of people he knew to be prohibited,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown. “For this conduct and in the spirit of public safety, we look forward to this individual receiving a just sentence of imprisonment in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.”
Ronquillo could face up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2025.
The ATF investigated the case which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg.