TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Josue Lopez Quintana, 25, of Tucson, Arizona, was charged by criminal complaint for Making a False Statement to Law Enforcement. Quintana had his initial appearance Monday before United States Magistrate Judge Eric J. Markovich.
On August 25, 2022, following a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona that resulted in the death of four individuals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) initiated an investigation into the acquisition of a firearm used in the shooting. According to the complaint, ATF was able to determine that the firearm’s lower receiver was purchased at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Tucson, Arizona, by Quintana in November 2021. Quintana allegedly completed a form at the FFL stating that he was the true purchaser of the lower receiver, and that he was not acquiring the lower receiver on behalf of another person. On August 26, 2022, federal agents interviewed Quintana about the purchase, during which Quintana allegedly made false statements about the purchase of the lower receiver.
A conviction for Making a False Statement to Law Enforcement carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
ATF is conducting the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Tucson Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 22-00499MJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-158_Quintana
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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