News

Chicago cousins charged in federal guns case

Posted August 08, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - Two Chicago cousins face federal weapons charges for allegedly selling more than a dozen guns on the city's South Side.

A U.S. attorney's office statement Tuesday says 26-year-old Benjamin Vasquez Jr. is accused of selling 16 guns, including an AK-47.

A complaint says his 27-year-old cousin, Jorge Vasquez, has also been involved in selling guns. It cites a rifle he allegedly sold in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood earlier this year for $1,000.

Benjamin Vasquez Jr. was arrested this month on a charge of possessing a firearm with an altered serial number. It carries a maximum five-year prison term.

His cousin was arrested in July and charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. That carries a maximum 10-year in prison sentence.

Messages left for their lawyers weren't returned.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Chicago Content Providers News Region

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.