8 sentenced in Huntsville for gun trafficking

Sunday, December 23, 2012

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Eight people have been sentenced in federal court on charges they participated in a gun trafficking scheme that allowed firearms to get into the hands of a Mexican drug cartel.

The eight defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn in federal court in Huntsville.

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance said the weapons included three sniper rifles and various assault rifles.

Blackburn sentenced Gary Lee Madison to almost five years in prison. The other defendants received sentences ranging from six months in prison to probation.

Vance said Madison got the weapons which were either purchased by him or by the other seven defendants. She said 19 of the firearms were recovered by the Mexican Army after they had gotten into the custody of Los Zetas, a drug cartel.