International Arms Trafficker Sentenced To More Than Eight Years In Federal Prison
Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jose Mario Moreno Parada (37, Naples) to eight years and four months in federal prison for smuggling goods from the United States, possessing firearms with obliterated serial numbers, and making false statements to federal agents. The court also ordered Parada to forfeit the firearms involved in the offenses.
Parada had pleaded guilty on May 10, 2019.
According to court documents, Parada and his coconspirators purchased rifles in southwest Florida, obliterated their serial numbers, concealed them in vehicles, and then arranged to export the loaded vehicles to South America. In 2018, in connection with this case, 133 firearms, concealed in three vehicles and destined for Bolivia, were intercepted by law enforcement in south Florida.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
###
