EL PASO – A 45-year-old supervisor of the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, Marco Antonio Aveytia, entered a not guilty plea in connection with an investigation involving his government issued firearm, according to authorities.
Aveytia claimed his weapon was stolen during a burglary of his residence, officials stated Wednesday.
Federal authorities, however, have charged him with falsification of records during a federal investigation involving the weapon.
If convicted, Aveytia is facing up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of as much as $250,000, officials said.
Aveyti was arrested on Monday.