A Santa Fe resident has admitted to illegally selling firearms, according to a recent court session in Las Vegas. Celso Daniel Ruiz, the individual in question, faced charges after repeatedly buying a significant number of firearms and subsequently reselling them both domestically and internationally for a profit.
Court documents reveal that from December 2020 to January 17, 2023, Ruiz purchased at least 145 firearms from licensed dealers in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. It was noted that shortly after these purchases, he traveled across the U.S.-Mexico border. Eighteen of Ruiz's acquired firearms were later registered in Mexico. Ruiz was aware that many firearms were destined for transfer outside the United States, but he lacked the necessary federal license to sell or export them.
Ruiz confessed to one count of engaging in illegal firearm sales without a license. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 20, 2025. Ruiz faces a potential maximum sentence of five years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by a federal judge, in accordance with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
The announcement of Ruiz's guilty plea and upcoming sentencing was jointly made by United States Attorney Sigal Chattah and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Investigation of the case was conducted by the ATF, with prosecution being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig.
The public is encouraged to provide any information related to illegal firearm purchases by contacting the ATF through a dedicated hotline or anonymously online.