Not Above the Law
The town of Columbus, New Mexico is without their top officials. Thursday, March 17, 2011, the mayor, police chief, and nine others were charged with 84 counts of firearms smuggling. The 11 people involved in the alleged gun-trafficking ring are accused of buying illegal firearms and exporting them to Mexico.
Authorities seized 200 illegal firearms and over 1500 rounds of ammunition. Although there is no proof that the firearms were destined for Mexico, there is proof that 12 firearms previously purchased from the defendants were found in Mexico and traced back to the party.
The indictment came after a year long investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. This task force focuses on the most serious cases of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering accusations.
If convicted of firearms trafficking, all 11 defendants could face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Some of the defendants are also charged with making false statements in connection with the questioning of firearms smuggling. If those defendants are convicted they could receive 5 years in prison and $25,000 fine. Some defendants are also charged with concealing a firearm and facilitating the transportation of illegal firearms to Mexico. If convicted, these defendants could receive 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
