ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two men from Mexico are facing federal charges for illegally purchasing firearms, including a machinegun, three rifles, and a grenade from an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent in Albuquerque. Fernando Espino-Ortiz and Perla Janeth Ruiz-Lozano appeared in federal court Tuesday. Espino-Ortiz will remain in custody, and Ruiz-Lozano will be released on […]
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two men from Mexico are facing federal charges for illegally purchasing firearms, including a machinegun, three rifles, and a grenade from an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent in Albuquerque.
Fernando Espino-Ortiz and Perla Janeth Ruiz-Lozano appeared in federal court Tuesday. Espino-Ortiz will remain in custody, and Ruiz-Lozano will be released on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 25, 2024, the two men allegedly traveled from Mexico to Albuquerque and brought $100,000 in cash to exchange for the weapons.
Espino-Ortiz loaded the weapons into a vehicle and reportedly they were to be taken back to Mexico. Both men were arrested at the scene. If convicted of the current charges, Espino-Ortiz and Perla Janeth Ruiz-Lozano each face up to 15 years in prison.