ICE: LAPD Officer Tried to Export Guns

Los Angeles - An LAPD officer who owns a private security firm in Belize surrendered to authorities in Los Angeles today to face allegations that he attempted to illegally export guns to that Central American nation.

Johnny Augustus Baltazar, 50, had been placed on administrative leave last year, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Baltazar -- who was expected to make his initial appearance in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom this afternoon -- was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 23 on one count of unlawful interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition, according to ICE.

The investigation began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted and seized the weapons at Los Angeles International Airport, ICE reported.

According to the indictment, Baltazar sought to ship a container packed with firearms and ammunition to Belize, including eight .40-caliber handguns and two 9 mm handguns, along with more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators believe the weapons were intended for use by officers with a Belize-based company called Elite Security, which is owned by Baltazar.

Officials allege Baltazar did not have the required licenses to export the firearms.