NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch was arrested in Mexico last month on gun charges due to having a handgun in his luggage during screening at the airport, according to multiple sources.
Busch was sentenced to 3 and a half years in prison along with being made to pay a $1,000 fine, according to ESPN.
Busch released a statement to Twitter on Monday, detailing the January arrest and explaining the incident, writing:
“In late January, Samantha and I enjoyed a several day vacation in Mexico. When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag.”
Busch, who says that he considers “this issue closed,” also noted that he had no intention to bring the gun into Mexico and therefore was unaware of the gun laws in the country. After posting a bond, he was able to return home to North Carolina.
The Mexican government released a statement on the matter as well, referring to Busch as “Kyle N” and in the official document which was translated to English by the Daily Wire. The statement says the following, in part:
“The Public Ministry of the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) in Quintana Roo, obtained a conviction of three years six months in prison and a fine of 200 units of measurement and update equivalent to the amount of 20 thousand 748 pesos, against a person of foreign nationality,” the statement said. “The sentenced today, Kyle ‘N’, was credited with his full responsibility in the commission of the crime of carrying a firearm without a license and possession of cartridges for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces.”
“According to the investigation folder, the arrest took place on January 27 of this year, when the man sentenced today was detained by elements of the Quintana Roo National Guard, derived from the direct signaling of private security personnel from the Airport. Cancun International, who are assigned to guard the platform of the FBO terminal for private flights,” the statement continued. “The detainee, who is originally from the State of Nevada, intended to travel to the United States of America, but when passing his luggage through the RX of the platform, a caliber pistol-type firearm was detected inside. 380 with magazine stocked with six useful hollow point cartridges.”
With Busch freed from Mexico and apparently able to forgo serving his sentence, many fans wondered if his spot on the Richard Childress Racing team would be in jeopardy. One of the most talented drivers in the sport, Busch is beginning his first year with Richard Childress, who ESPN notes is an NRA member and avid hunter.
It seems that Busch has spoken to the necessary bodies in NASCAR and has gone through whatever type of investigation is needed, as his spot in the sport appears to be as solid as before the incident. The NASCAR regular season begins on February 19 with the Daytona 500.
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