A 42-year-old Harlingen resident has pleaded guilty to smuggling a firearm linked to the March 3 incident involving the murder and kidnapping of U.S. Citizens in Matamoras, Mexico.
Roberto Lugardo Moreno Jr. pleaded guilty today to aiding the smuggling of a firearm into Mexico knowing it was intended for members of the Gulf Cartel.
Law enforcement learned from Mexican authorities that a pistol Moreno purchased Oct. 17, 2019, was linked to the March 3 incident. The investigation revealed Moreno had obtained the firearm at a pawn shop in Brownsville. Moreno admitted to purchasing the firearm on behalf of another person he knew was going to provide it to a Gulf Cartel figure in Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Aug. 9. At that time, Moreno faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.