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LAPD officer charged for trying to export guns

Associated Press - November 2, 2009 10:14 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Los Angeles police officer has been indicted for attempting to illegally export guns to his security firm in Belize.

Johnny Augustus Baltazar surrendered to authorities and appeared in federal court Monday. He was expected to be released on $10,000 bail.

Prosecutors say Baltazar attempted to illegally ship a container packed with 10 guns and 1,500 rounds of ammunition to Belize from the Los Angeles International Airport. His indictment follows a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Baltazar's attorney Arthur Avazian says his client will plead not guilty when he is arraigned Nov. 16.

Baltazar, who is on administrative leave from the Police Department, is charged with unlawful interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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