A father and son have pleaded guilty to being a part of a conspiracy to smuggle firearms out of the country. The plan was first uncovered in Gainesville by Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Othon Marban, Sr., and Othon Marban, Jr. have pleaded guilty to being involved in a gun-smuggling ring. The two have been accused of transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident in a scheme to send approximately 50 guns to Mexico.
The original arrests of the father and son occurred on December 3, 2021, when Hall County Sheriff’s Office Deputies stopped a truck traveling on I-985 south for traffic violations. Investigators recovered 51 guns wrapped in cellophane during a search of the vehicle. Marban, Sr. and Marban, Jr. admitted that they were en route to Mexico with the firearms. Further investigation of the defendants revealed that they previously purchased additional guns and traveled to Mexico earlier in 2021.
“This case is a perfect example of how our agencies work in concert to keep our communities safe,” said Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch. “I applaud our deputies for being alert as they were patrolling I-985, which is the busiest primary corridor in our county. They saw a problem with a basic traffic violation and pulled over the offender. As a result, we were able to get dozens of illegal weapons off our streets. I’m proud of everyone involved.”
In the release, the U.S. Attorney also commended their arrest. “The defendants’ thwarted attempt to traffic guns to Mexico highlights the determination of our office and our law enforcement partners to stop the illegal gun trade both within and outside our district,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement for remaining vigilant and protecting our communities.”
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
