14 December 2016, SAN ANTONIO, TX – An Army sergeant who worked as a military
recruiter has admitted he funneled dozens of assault weapons to a Mexican cartel last
year with the help of other soldiers.
The San Antonio Express-News reports Sgt. Julian Prezas pleaded guilty this week to
charges that include lying on federal firearms forms.
Prezas, 36, acknowledged acquiring 42 guns — 23 of which were seized and forfeited
to the government during the investigation. However, a co-defendant who became an
informant told agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms that
Prezas sold him 13 AR-15s, some 50 to 60 AK-47s and a shotgun last year.
Prosecutors relied on the testimony of informants who assisted Prezas in forwarding the
weapons to the Gulf Cartel. There are at least three other defendants in the case.
A lawyer for Prezas says he’s a decorated veteran who misunderstood regulations
over the sale of guns.
Sentencing is scheduled for March in federal court. Prezas also is facing a disciplinary
discharge from the military.