Mission men sentenced for lying to purchase firearms

MISSION — Two Mission residents were sentenced to prison Tuesday for lying to purchase firearms.

Roel Cavazos, 43, and Rogelio Cavazos, 71, had previously pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms. Roel Cavazos was sentenced to four years in prison and Rogelio Cavazos was sentenced to three years.

The father-and-son duo was arrested and charged following an investigation conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The men admitted to trafficking at least 90 firearms to Mexico for profit. ATF traced several of the smuggled weapons to attacks on
Mexican law enforcement by the Pacific Cartel. The attacks — which included the use of grenades — occurred South of Mexico City.

Rogelio Cavazos’ lawyers argued he was unaware he was doing anything illegal and that he was only helping his son.

“He'd have to be blind or naive not to know what he was doing,” U.S. District Judge Randy Crane said during the sentencing hearing. “I don’t think he’s either.”

Roel Cavazos has been in custody since the time of his arrest and will remain in custody to serve his sentence.

The elder Cavazos has been permitted to remain free on bond until Dec. 7, 2009, when he has been ordered to surrender himself to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.