Mexican man admits smuggling attempt

A Mexican national has admitted trying to smuggle a box cutter onto an airplane at the Salt Lake City International Airport in December.

Juan Carlos Justo-Martinez pleaded guilty last week to one count of attempting to board an aircraft with a concealed weapon. Justo-Martinez, who has been in custody since his arrest, was immediately sentenced to time served and is expected to undergo deportation proceedings.

In exchange for his guilty plea, federal prosecutors dismissed a second count alleging Justo-Martinez was in possession of false immigration documents he reportedly purchased at a local Hispanic market.

According to charging documents, security screeners located the "artfully concealed" box cutter in Justo-Martinez's carry-on luggage. The blade was allegedly taped to the metal frame of a speaker, which was tightly wrapped in clear plastic.

Justo-Martinez initially told federal agents he knew the box cutter was attached to the speaker but that he had not had time to dispose of it prior to arriving at the airport, documents state. However, he later reportedly denied knowing the blade was there.