An undocumented immigrant from Guatemala has admitted to his involvement in a significant firearms trafficking scheme that transported numerous weapons from Florida to the Caribbean.
Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, 34, has confessed to participating in a conspiracy, trafficking firearms, engaging in firearms dealings without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. If found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for each of the conspiracy and possession charges, and up to 5 years for dealing firearms without a license.
Sune-Giron participated in the illicit operation from 2023 to April 2024, as stated in the plea agreement. He enlisted individuals known as “straw purchasers” to acquire firearms, such as Glocks, rifles, and AK-47s, from licensed dealers located throughout Florida.
During this period, the operation smuggled thousands of weapons overseas, primarily to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As a result, numerous firearms were trafficked and some of them were later found at crime scenes.
In April 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) carried out search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area.
During the search at Sune-Giron’s residence, law enforcement officials uncovered an extensive collection of more than 50 firearms, ammunition, money counters, and approximately $16,000 in U.S. currency.
It was further disclosed that Sune-Giron had been residing unlawfully in the United States using a false identity.
Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to combat illegal firearms trafficking in this case. The ATF, HSI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Noah P. Dorman are currently handling the case and are responsible for prosecuting it. As of now, there is no scheduled date for Sune-Giron’s sentencing.