A 37-year-old Apopka man who attempted to use a refrigerator to smuggle more than a dozen firearms, related parts, and ammunition out of the United States has pleaded guilty to a firearm trafficking charge.
On Friday, July 26, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Yessen Vasquez Tolentino has pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling goods from the United States.
According to the plea agreement, Vasquez Tolentino knowingly made arrangements for a freight forwarding company to pick up a refrigerator that contained a total of 17 firearms, 33 firearms parts, and over 140 rounds of ammunition. These items were concealed in the refrigerator’s main door and freezer door.
Vasquez Tolentino then attempted to ship the refrigerator to the Dominican Republic.
As part of the plea agrement, Vasquez Tolentino has agreed to forfeit the firearms, parts, and ammunition that were found inside the refrigerator.
Vasquez Tolentino faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.