A Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in the fraudulent purchase of firearms. Jaime Eduardo Cano, 43, received a 24-month prison term followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to making false or fictitious statements to a licensed firearms dealer.
The sentencing, announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, was delivered by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. During the hearing, evidence was presented showing that Cano directed his employee to purchase firearms fraudulently, despite being eligible to purchase them legally himself. The court indicated Cano's awareness that the firearms would be disposed of illegally as a reason for his decision.
Between May 6, 2021, and June 10, 2022, Cano directed Norma Andrade to purchase 40 firearms from a local dealer. Surveillance conducted on June 10, 2022, observed Andrade picking up a batch of 10 pistols and delivering them to Cano’s business, where he collected them. Text messages found on Cano's phone showed communications concerning the sale of these firearms and instructions to Andrade to falsify purchase forms.
Further investigation revealed that three firearms arranged for purchase by Cano were confiscated in Acapulco, Mexico. Andrade, 56, also from Corpus Christi, had previously entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Cano is currently on bond and is expected to surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined at a later date. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and John Marck.