2 Indicted in Smuggling-Related Operation

Updated: Thursday, 17 Mar 2011, 5:12 PM MDT
Published : Thursday, 17 Mar 2011, 5:12 PM MDT

PHOENIX - A man who was in the country illegally and involved in illegal operations has been indicted.

A grand jury charged 35-year-old Ramon Antonio Arguelles-Lopez with alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

At his arraignment, Arguelles-Lopez pleaded not guilty.

According to documents, Arguelles-Lopez was in possession of a machine gun and an assault rifle, as well as 35 rounds of ammunition. He was also unlawfully present in the United States, staying at a residence in Phoenix.

Border Patrol agents also found a ballistic vest, digital scales, a camouflage jacket, and spray paint at the residence. Authorities say he was participating in a drug trafficking operation.

If convicted, Arguelles-Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Jaime Zepeda-Diaz was also at the Phoenix house and he faces charges for transporting and harboring illegal aliens in the U.S.

Zepeda-Diaz faces the same penalty if convicted of his charge.

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