St. Cloud Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Firearms on Flight to Ecuador

Orlando, Florida - Jack James Molina (39, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to four years and nine months in federal prison for attempted smuggling of goods from the United States. The court also ordered Molina to forfeit the 11 firearms that he attempted to smuggle. Molina pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, Molina attempted to bring 11 broken-down Glock semi-automatic pistols and 20 firearm magazines onto a flight from Orlando to Ecuador. The firearm parts and magazines were concealed inside a towel in one checked bag and inside a shirt in another checked bag.

"Weapons smuggling poses a serious threat to public safety both here and abroad," said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville and Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. "Illegally exported firearms often end up fueling violence, increases crime rates, and destabilizes other countries, including Ecuador. We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to illegally export firearms from the United States. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous schemes and hold offenders accountable."

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Michele Harrington.