Three individuals have been apprehended for firearms-related offenses following the discovery of weapons and ammunition in Laredo, Texas. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei reported the charges.
The accused include Erick Lopez-Rivera Sr., 37, and Marcos Lora-Morales, 24, who are both unlawfully residing in Laredo, and Erick Lopez Jr., 18, a Laredo resident. They are set to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge soon.
The investigation initiated on March 21 after law enforcement identified the location of a firearm tied to another alleged crime. Upon executing a search warrant, authorities reportedly found two machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) and a backpack containing magazines and ammunition allegedly stored by Lopez. MCDs are known to turn semi-automatic handguns into automatic weapons.
Officials also discovered .38 special and .22LR ammunition associated with Lopez-Rivera Sr. Further investigation revealed a grey backpack containing a 9mm S&W handgun, purchased by Lora-Morales, alongside his Mexican passport, found in a separate structure on the property. Lora-Morales had reportedly overstayed his visa.
Lopez-Rivera Jr. faces charges of possessing a machine gun, while Lopez-Rivera Sr. and Lora-Morales are accused of possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm and ammunition, respectively, as aliens. Additionally, Lopez-Rivera Sr. faces charges of felony reentry of an alien.
Possession of a machine gun may lead to a 10-year prison sentence. Charges of alien in possession of ammunition and firearm could result in up to 15 years. Illegal reentry after removal carries a maximum 20-year sentence. They all face potential fines of up to $250,000 per count of conviction.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Laredo Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch.
An indictment represents a formal accusation but not evidence of guilt. Defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty through due process.