Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, has announced the arrest of Roland Munoz, a fugitive wanted for trafficking firearms from the United States to a Mexican cartel. Munoz, 44, was apprehended in Mexico as part of "Operation Ripsaw."
On September 21, 2021, Munoz and five other defendants were charged in a 12-count indictment with violations including conspiracy to violate U.S. laws, smuggling goods from the United States, straw purchasing firearms, and violating the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The charges stemmed from an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The indictment details a complex conspiracy to smuggle high-powered firearms from the United States to Mexico. Court filings allege that Munoz led this operation by recruiting straw purchasers in Wisconsin and other states, organizing couriers to transport firearms and money across the nation, and arranging for smugglers to deliver these firearms across the Texas border to a Mexican cartel. Over 25 firearms were reportedly purchased and attempted to be smuggled under this scheme. Among them was a .50 caliber rifle recovered on December 12, 2020, after an encounter between Mexican law enforcement authorities and armed members of Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a transnational criminal organization.
Munoz's arrest involved coordination with officials in Mexico alongside efforts by the United States Marshals Service, ATF, and HSI.
If convicted on these charges, Munoz could face up to 20 years in prison along with fines reaching $1 million. These potential sentences are set by Congress for informational purposes; actual sentencing will be determined by a judge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip T. Kovoor and Christopher Ladwig at the United States District Court in Green Bay.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; it does not constitute evidence of guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information contact:
Public Information Officer
Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
(414) 297-1700
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