Evergreen Reporter

On November 13, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Miguel Soto-Morando of Rio Rico on charges including Smuggling Ammunition from the United States, Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

The complaint states that on October 16, 2024, Soto-Morando attempted to exit the United States via the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. When directed to secondary inspection, he tried to flee into Mexico. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer intervened by reaching into Soto-Morando's truck. Soto-Morando accelerated towards the Mexican gate but crashed into a pillar within U.S. territory, ejecting the officer from his vehicle.

After exiting his vehicle, Soto-Morando was shot twice by two officers, including the victim officer. A search revealed 3,140 rounds of ammunition in a spare tire intended for Mexico. Soto-Morando is also alleged to be a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

A conviction for Smuggling Goods from the United States can result in up to 10 years in prison. Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon carries up to 20 years, while Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person can lead to 15 years in prison. Each charge may also include fines up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

"An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt," it was stated. "An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters from Tucson is prosecuting the case.