A man from Nevada confessed to acquiring high-powered firearms and ammunition to supply drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. He also admitted to money laundering and employing individuals unlawfully in the United States. This information was disclosed by Department of Justice officials.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nevada, Luis Alberto Osorio, along with co-defendants, orchestrated the purchase of 140 firearms, magazines, and ammunition between April 2020 and September 2021. These were intended for individuals linked to violent drug cartels operating in Mexico. The firearms included large-caliber and long-range weapons like the Ohio Ordnance Works M2-SLR .50 BMG, Barrett M82A1 and M107A1 .50 BMG rifles, FN Herstal M249S 5.56x45mm, and FH Herstal SCAR 17S 7.62x51mm rifles.
Osorio also acknowledged hiring people without legal status in the U.S. at a mining operation in Nevada. He pleaded guilty to charges including straw purchasing of firearms, firearms trafficking, harboring undocumented immigrants, and conspiracy to launder money. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 70 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Firearms trafficking networks feed the violent cartels that terrorize border communities and pump illicit drugs into our neighborhoods. By cutting off this supply chain and holding this defendant accountable, we are directly disrupting the operational capabilities of these dangerous criminal organizations.– Sigal Chattah, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
Osario’s sentencing is scheduled for February. Jonathan Sherwin, deputy special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas, emphasized that trafficking military-style firearms and ammunition into Mexico increases violence and strengthens criminal networks, endangering communities on both sides of the border. This guilty plea is a result of persistent efforts by Homeland Security Investigations and its federal, state, and local partners.
The case is a part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative launched by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. David S. Olesky, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, highlighted the seamless connection between guns and drugs in organized crime. He stated that DEA, as a task force member, will utilize all resources to address the threats posed by individuals and organizations involved in drugs and firearms trafficking.
Brie Stimson contributed to this report. She is an entertainment and breaking news writer based in Los Angeles for Fox News Digital.