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Date: 08-14-2021

Case Style:

United States of America v. Leonel Avalos-Santoyo

Case Number: 5:21-cr-00433

Judge: Diana Saldana

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Webb County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office

Defendant's Attorney:


Best Laredo Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory


Description: Laredo, Texas criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with smuggling goods from the United States and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

On April 25, 2020, Avalos-Santoyo, age 50, traveled as a passenger in a commercial van from the United States into Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle and performed an inspection. During the search, they discovered five firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories inside Avalos-Santoyo’s luggage.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined that between Sept. 21, 2019, and Nov. 5, 2020, Avalos-Santoyo purchased 41 firearms at three federal firearms dealers in Harris County. During each transaction, he falsely claimed he was the actual buyer.

Previously released on bond, Avalos-Santoyo was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Bowling prosecuted the case.
Smuggling Goods from the United States.

PENALTY: 0 to 10 years and/or $250,000 fine; $100 CVF; not more than a three (3) year TSR
(1)

Outcome: Sentence: 46 months to serve in BOP concurrent on both counts ; 3 years TSR; standard and mandatory conditions imposed; $100 special assessment as to each count for a total of $200, no fine. Initial Mental evaluation; Mental health treatment; take all medications prescribed by treating physician. Court recommends BOP medical facility in Houston. Defendant to self surrender January 3,2022.

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