Nine individuals have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to commit material false statements during the purchase of firearms. The charges were filed on January 27, 2026, against Jorge Alain Corona of Gilroy, California; Alejandro Corona, Jonathan Ventura Bravo, Marvin Agustin Teutle, Jesus Roberto Corella Mares, Rosario Agustin Teutle, April Denise Corral Aldecoa, Jose Ruben Quiroz—all from various cities in Arizona—and Linda-Ana Grace Camarillo of Kalispell, Montana.
According to the criminal complaint, the defendants are accused of conspiring between March 2020 and January 2024 to unlawfully acquire firearms by making false statements to sellers. The complaint states that straw purchasers signed forms claiming they were buying firearms for themselves while actually purchasing them for others. The group allegedly acquired more than 15 firearms in this manner—including at least three Barrett .50 caliber rifles and ten belt-fed semi-automatic rifles—with plans to smuggle some into Mexico.
Law enforcement seized six firearms on July 26, 2023, shortly after their illegal purchase. Another firearm linked to the investigation was recovered by Mexican authorities on March 24, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine commented on the case: “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,” he said. “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.”
Shawn Stallo, acting special agent in charge for the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), added: “Straw purchasers aren’t just lying on a form- they’re often putting firearms directly onto the hands of criminals. Straw purchasing is a serious felony that can carry penalties of up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.”
Matthew Murphy, acting special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona stated: “Straw purchasing undermines public safety by intentionally concealing the identity of the actual offender and defeating lawful safeguards. HSI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the public, thoroughly investigating this criminal activity and reviewing all facts objectively and with integrity — because community safety depends on it.”
The investigation was conducted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which was established under Executive Order 14159 as an interagency effort focused on combating criminal cartels and transnational crime groups operating both inside and outside U.S. borders.
The ATF and HSI led this investigation alongside Assistant U.S. Attorneys Travis L. Wheeler and Bradley Baugher from the District of Arizona’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Authorities emphasized that a criminal complaint is only an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information about ongoing cases or activities involving this office visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
