Army sergeant in Texas admits funneling weapons to Mexican cartel

An Army sergeant who worked as a military recruiter has admitted he funneled dozens of assault weapons to a Mexican cartel last year with the help of other soldiers.

The San Antonio Express-News reports Sgt. Julian Prezas pleaded guilty this week to charges that include lying on federal firearms forms.

Prosecutors relied on the testimony of informants who assisted Prezas in forwarding the weapons to the Gulf Cartel. There are at least three other defendants in the case.

A lawyer for Prezas says he's a decorated veteran who misunderstood regulations over the sale of guns.

Sentencing is scheduled for March in federal court. Prezas also is facing a disciplinary discharge from the military.