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Round Rock Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking

A collection of firearms seized during a firearms trafficking investigation.

News Summary

Job Eliezer De La Torre, a 50-year-old resident of Round Rock, Texas, has pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking and unlicensed dealing of firearms. His illegal activities spanned three years, involving the purchase and attempted resale of 356 firearms. Law enforcement confiscated a total of 68 firearms along with ammunition and cash during investigations. De La Torre’s actions raise concerns about public safety in relation to illegal arms trading.

Round Rock Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking and Unlicensed Firearms Dealing

Round Rock, Texas – Job Eliezer De La Torre, a 50-year-old resident of Round Rock, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to firearms trafficking and the unlicensed dealing of firearms. His admissions come in the wake of allegations that span from January 1, 2020, to November 1, 2023. During this period, De La Torre reportedly engaged in the illegal purchasing and selling of firearms.

De La Torre is accused of buying a total of 356 firearms, which he intended to resell unlawfully. Following investigations, law enforcement officials confiscated 24 firearms from him, with 12 of those discovered in Mexico. A search warrant executed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on November 2, 2023, at De La Torre’s residence led to additional findings. Authorities seized 44 firearms, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and De La Torre’s cell phone. Other items recovered included ledgers detailing his firearm sales, $26,000 in cash, and precious metals.

Details of the Criminal Activities

Court documents reveal that De La Torre actively advertised firearms for sale online, profiting between $20 and $200 from each transaction. Phone records indicate he completed approximately 50 firearm sales to a single buyer over several months, generating a total of $196,850 between May and September 2023. The types of firearms involved in these transactions included popular models such as AR-15s, AR-10s, an AK pistol, an FN SCAR 17S rifle, and FightLite MCR builds.

Potential Penalties

As a result of these guilty pleas, De La Torre could face significant legal repercussions. He may receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison—15 years for the firearms trafficking conspiracy and an additional five years for dealing in firearms without a license.

Ongoing Investigations

The case continues to be investigated by ATF and Homeland Security Investigations as part of a broader crackdown dubbed Operation Take Back America. This operation is focused on reducing illegal firearms trafficking and enhancing public safety.

Context and Implications

The rise in firearms trafficking cases has raised concerns across the United States regarding public safety and the illegal arms trade. The legal actions against De La Torre are part of a nationwide effort by federal authorities to enforce strict regulations on firearm sales. Unlicensed dealing, particularly in high-demand firearms, poses challenges to law enforcement efforts to control illegal arms markets. The actions taken against De La Torre represent a concerted approach to deter similar activities that undermine the legal gun ownership frameworks established in the country.

In conclusion, Job Eliezer De La Torre’s plea provides a glimpse into the ongoing issues surrounding illegal firearm sales and trafficking. As investigations continue, they highlight the importance of adherence to licensing laws and the potential consequences of violating them.