Nine people are facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a complex multi-state scheme to fraudulently buy firearms and smuggle them into Mexico.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, seven Arizona people, a Montana man, and a California man reportedly conspired as straw purchasers to buy guns for others between March 2020 and January 2024.
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“This case exposes a scheme to lie, buy and funnel dangerous firearms into the hands of nefarious actors, including trafficking firearms across our southern border,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in a press release.
“It is particularly alarming when these weapons are intended for use by criminal organizations. This office will continue working in tandem with our law enforcement partners to block the flow of illegal firearms to those who would use them to harm others.”
According to federal prosecutors, the defendants forged documents while purchasing firearms to make it appear as if they were the genuine buyer, with the goal of handing over the weapons to someone else.
The nine people reportedly conspired to buy more than 15 firearms, including 10 belt-fed semiautomatic rifles and at least three Barretts. They planned to transfer 50-caliber firearms across the border to Mexico.
On July 26, 2023, law enforcement agents seized six of the firearms, while the Mexican government seized another weapon believed to have been obtained through the alleged conspiracy on March 24, 2025.
On January 27, 2026, the suspects were arrested and identified as Jorge Alain Corona, 28; Alejandro Corona, 32; Jonathan Ventura Bravo, 32; Jesus Roberto Corella Mares, 33; Marvin Agustin Teutle, 29; April Denise Corral Aldecoa, 24; Linda-Ana Grace Camarillo, 22; Jose Ruben Quiroz, 26; and Rosario Agustin Teutle, 27.
According to the DOJ, each defendant is charged with conspiracy to conduct the offense of making a substantial false statement during the acquisition of firearms.
“Straw purchasers aren’t just lying on a form – they’re often putting firearms directly into the hands of criminals,” said Shawn Stallo, acting special agent in charge for the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
