Former Supervisory United States Border Patrol Agent Found Guilty of Multiple Firearm Offenses

Assistant U. S. Attorneys Michael G. Wheat (619) 546-8437, Alessandra P. Serano (619) 546-8104, Jennifer E. McCollough  (619) 546-8773

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 2, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Martin Rene Duran, a former supervisory United States Border Patrol Agent, was convicted by a federal jury today of seven counts of illegal transportation of firearms and one count of possession of a short-barreled rifle following a three-day trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, Duran purchased seven firearms in Arizona in 2011, 2013 and 2014.  Duran made these purchases using an Arizona driver’s license with an address where he never lived and claimed Arizona residency even though he resided in California.  At the time of the execution of a federal search warrant in October 2015, Duran was in possession of multiple firearms that were illegal in California and one short-barreled rifle. 

Duran is scheduled to appear before Senior U.S. District Judge Marilyn L. Huff on April 30, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. for sentencing.

“Federal law enforcement officers are not above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “All citizens are required to abide by the laws of the United States.”

“This decision affirms the efforts the Department of Homeland Security makes to hold its personnel to the highest standard and shows it will not tolerate malfeasance which tarnishes the hard work performed by employees on a daily basis,” said Jeffrey Gilgallon, Special Agent in Charge, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility.

“Bringing a case against another federal agent is never pleasant, but we hold public safety and a commitment to justice above all,” said Bill McMullan, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Los Angeles Field Division.  “It is ATF’s mission to quell firearm trafficking and when we see those engaged in illegal firearms activity we act on it.”

DEFENDANT                                                           Case Number 15cr2817-H                                       

Martin Rene Duran                 Age: 48                       Chula Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(3) – Illegal Transportation of Firearms: Maximum Penalties: 5 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release.

Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861 and 5871 – Possession of Unregistered Firearm: Maximum Penalties: 10 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release.

AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Office of Professional Responsibility

Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility