SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A Santa Fe man pleaded guilty in federal court to purchasing a large quantity of guns and then reselling them to buyers in the United States and Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Celso Daniel Ruiz purchased at least 145 of the same or similar-type guns from Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Officials said shortly after purchasing many of the guns, he crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Eighteen guns purchased by Ruiz were subsequently registered by individuals through various parts of Mexico.
According to the DOJ, Ruiz knew that many of the guns he purchased would be transferred outside of the United States, and he did not have a license as a firearms dealer to sell or export firearms.
Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
He faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and three years of supervised release. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20.