TUCSON, Ariz. — A Rio Rico man has been indicted by a federal grand jury 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, following a dramatic escape attempt at the Nogales Port of Entry.
Miguel Soto-Morando, who was indicted on November 13, 2024, allegedly tried to flee into Mexico on October 16 after being referred for secondary inspection at the DeConcini Port of Entry. According to the complaint, Soto-Morando accelerated his vehicle toward the Mexican gate while a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer attempted to stop him.
As the officer reached into the truck to prevent the escape, Soto-Morando crashed into a pillar on U.S. soil, ejecting the officer from the vehicle. In response, two officers, including the injured victim, discharged their firearms, striking Soto-Morando twice.
A search of the vehicle revealed 3,140 rounds of ammunition hidden in a spare tire, allegedly destined for Mexico. Soto-Morando, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, now faces serious federal charges.
Potential Penalties
- Smuggling Ammunition from the U.S.: Up to 10 years in prison.
- Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly Weapon: Up to 20 years in prison.
- Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person: Up to 15 years in prison.
Each charge carries fines of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal charge and does not imply guilt. Soto-Morando remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
