ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona man sentenced to over 2 years for straw purchasing 82 firearms

Sep 23, 2022, 4:00 PM

(DOMINICK REUTER/AFP via Getty Images)...

(DOMINICK REUTER/AFP via Getty Images)

(DOMINICK REUTER/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOENIX — An Arizona City man was arrested earlier this month for straw purchasing firearms intended for Mexico, authorities said.

From September 2020 until June 2021, 23-year-old Jorge Zuniga-Aguilera purchased at least 82 firearms from Arizona gun stores.

One of the weapons was found as a murder weapon of a citizen in Mexico City, authorities said.

He was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release.

“Border security means protecting our neighbor’s sovereignty,” United States attorney Gary Restaino said in the release.

“When American guns flow south into Mexico, we all lose. Straw purchase prosecutions are an important step in securing the border and protecting communities in both countries.”

The case was a part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, a major piece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.

PSN is an program that identifies violent crimes in the community and offers evidence based solutions to stop similar future crimes.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo)...

KTAR.com

Child critically injured in accident involving police vehicle in Phoenix

A child was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being struck by a Phoenix Police patrol vehicle on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Photo of a homeless encampment in Phoenix. Six Arizona jurisdictions were awarded nearly $20 millio...

KTAR.com

Nearly $20M awarded from new Arizona fund to combat homelessness

Six Arizona jurisdictions were awarded nearly $20 million to combat homelessness, with more than half going to the city of Phoenix.

22 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Lake Pleasant Regional Park)...

KTAR.com

Authorities recover body of man who didn’t resurface at Lake Pleasant

Authorities are searching for a man who didn't resurface in the waters at Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets supporters at U.S. Sen. Joni Ern...

Associated Press

DeSantis defends flying migrants to California as he meets with sheriffs near border in Arizona

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in Arizona on Wednesday, defended his state's decision to fly migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to California.

22 hours ago

(ADOT Traffic Camera Photo)...

Danny Shapiro

That stinks: Manure spill slows drivers on State Route 347 in Chandler

Drivers on State Route 347 in Chandler had to deal with a bit of a stinky situation on Wednesday afternoon.

22 hours ago

(MCSO Screenshot)...

KTAR.com

MCSO releases video of deputies fatally shooting man who wielded pellet rifle in Guadalupe

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has released video of deputies fatally shooting a man who was wielding a pellet rifle in Guadalupe last month.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Arizona man sentenced to over 2 years for straw purchasing 82 firearms