By ANDY SEVILLA

A Caldwell County man, who had been the subject of a federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation, is still in custody after being charged with possession of more than 50 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition by a convicted felon.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office arrested Marcelino Aguirre, 39, after detectives say a cache of firearms, drugs, and cash was found in Aguirre’s home while detectives assisted a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigator conduct a home visit.

Aguirre was found with 56 firearms, 4,000 rounds of ammunition, 1.8 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin residue, and about $46,000 in his Uhland home on August 3, according to Caldwell County officials.

Aguirre was charged with unlawful possession of metal or body armor by a felon, unlawful possession of firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance. On August 6, federal authorities also charge Aguirre with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of unregistered Title II (NFA) firearms.

According to reports, the CPS investigator requested law enforcement to assist in the home visit, after she feared for a juvenile’s safety because Aguirre, the juvenile’s father, was a convicted felon and reportedly in possession of a firearm.

Once at the residence, the CPS investigator spoke to Aguirre and she and detectives gained entry into the home, where they noticed surveillance monitors and cameras, and two firearms in plain view, according to the release. The CPS investigator and detectives then continued throughout the home with Aguirre following and answering questions about possessing several firearms in the residence.

Once in the master bedroom, Aguirre reached into a closet and attempted to pull out an M4 semi-automatic rifle, but a detective took the firearm and placed Aguirre under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to reports.

Caldwell County Court at Law Judge Edward Jarrett then issued a warrant to search the home and authorities seized 31 handguns, 25 long guns, including four M4 rifles, one AK47 rifle, and two Russian SKS rifles, three of which were unregistered Title II (NFA) firearms, according to the release. Authorities also found five law enforcement tactical bullet resistant vests, three military type bullet resistant vests, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of magazines for the weapons.

Six vehicles were also seized from the residence.

During interviews with detectives, Aguirre stated he was at one time a Mexican Federal Police Officer.

Jail records show that Aguirre is still in custody with bond set at $270,000.