CPS visit leads to large bust in Caldwell County

UHLAND – On Friday, August 3, Caldwell County Sheriff Daniel C. Law announced Child Protective Services had requested assistance in a home visit at 114 Everett Drive, in Uhland. 
The investigator was concerned for the safety of a juvenile at the residence and for her own safety while contacting the father of the juvenile.  The father was identified to be Marcelino Aguirre, age 39. 
Aguirre was a convicted felon and reportedly in possession of firearms in the residence. Aguirre and the Everett Drive location have been the subject of a long term investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement for a period of time. 
Due to possibility of firearms in the residence, a number of detectives accompanied the CPS investigator to the residence to provide security during the home visit.  The CPS investigator made contact with Aguirre, explained the purpose of the visit, and was allowed entry into the residence. 
A number of surveillance monitors and cameras were observed inside the residence and two firearms were in plain view of the detectives. The CPS investigator requested to see the rest of the residence and asked a detective to accompany her throughout the house. Aguirre followed and answered the investigator’s questions about having a number of firearms in the residence. 
In the master bedroom, Aguirre reached into a closet and attempted to pull an M4 semi-auto rifle out, a detective immediately took the firearm away from him. Aguirre was then placed under arrest for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. 
A search warrant was obtained from Caldwell County Court at Law Judge Edward Jarrett.  During the search of the residence, detectives located and seized 1.8 oz of  methamphetamine, marijuana, residue of heroin, $45,919 in U.S. currency, 31 handguns, 25 long guns (including four M4 rifles, one AK47 rifle, and two Russian SKS rifles), three others which were unregistered Title II (NFA) firearms, one Mac-10 semi-auto pistol, five law enforcement tactical bullet resistant vests, three military type bullet resistant vests, approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of magazines for the weapons. Six vehicles were also seized from the location.
Officers with Lockhart Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were called to the residence to assist in collecting firearms and other evidence. 
 Aguirre was charged with unlawful possession of metal or body armor by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1>=4 grams< 200 grams.  Bond was set at $270,000.
On Monday, August 6, federal charges were filed on Aguirre for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of unregistered Title II (NFA) firearms. 
During interviews with detectives, Aguirre stated he was at one time a Mexican Federal Police Officer.
This is an ongoing investigation that may lead to further recovery of illegal weapons, narcotics, and/or further arrests. Anyone with additional information regarding this person or address, contact the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 512-398-6777.