Federal Agents Set Up Shop in OKC to Stop Gun Smuggling

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY --  Newly obtained documents detail a gun smuggling scheme stretching from Oklahoma City to some of the most dangerous parts of Mexico. Now the scheme has prompted federal agents to take action to stop gun smugglers.

Franciso Javier Reyes was an agent for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics when investigators said he was working with others to smuggle guns into Mexico. Investigators said that's something they're cracking down on.

"We're working very hard to cut off that source of supply for firearms, and this case is an example of that," said Sandy Coats, U.S. Attorney, Western District.

Records showed Reyes was working with at least three other men including Gregorio Morales-Martinez, an illegal alien from north Texas; Kyle Wooten, a Stillwater man who is now deceased; and Jorge Alexis Blanco, a Stillwater student who ran a Hookah lounge with Reyes.

Together investigators said all four and others would illegally obtain weapons from Oklahoma gun dealers and smuggle them south to Mexico.

Coats said.50 caliber firearms and several AK-47 assault rifles were involved in the smuggling.

Some of the guns have been recovered in Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas; Los Aldamas, Mexico; and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Investigators said the money and guns were likely going to drug cartels and would fuel drug wars that can stretch north into the U.S.

"We are experiencing a lot of the same issues here because of our proximity and because of the major interstate that runs from the Mexican border to the center of Oklahoma," Coats said.

Reyes, Martinez and Blanco are facing felony gun charges.

Coats also said a new gun task force has been formed and placed in seven different cities, including Oklahoma City, to help combat these kinds of crimes.

Reyes, who is out on bond, could enter a plea during his next court appearance next week.

More:

• Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Agent Arrested for Alleged Firearms Sales to Mexican Cartels
• Read the federal complaint against Reyes
• Investigators Say They've Been Monitoring Former OBN Agent for Awhile
• Texas Man 2nd Arrested in Mexican Firearms Smuggling Scheme
• OBN Agent Accused in Gun Smuggling Scheme Makes Court Appearance
• 2 More Charged in Mexican Firearms Smuggling Scheme