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Man tied to Aaron Hernandez charged with lying to federal grand jury

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Oscar Hernandez was arrested Wednesday night on federal charges amid allegations that he lied to a federal grand jury in a gun trafficking investigation that began after a June 2013 homicide in North Attleboro.

Hernandez was arrested in Florida on charges of obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and lying to a federal grand jury. Officials said his arrest is part of a gun trafficking investigation between Florida and Massachusetts.

Investigators allege Hernandez gave false testimony in response to questions about the ownership of a Toyota Camry. In a transcript of the interview, Hernandez is quoted as saying, "No, sir," when asked if he ever owned or purchased a Camry.

Officials allege Hernandez had purchased a Camry from a man identified as "KS." They claim the false statement was "material because the grand jury was investigating the interstate transportation of firearms from Florida to Massachusetts in, among other things, the Toyota Camry."

Hernandez appeared in court Thursday for an initial appearance where the judge denied him bond. He will be transported to Massachusetts to face charges.

If convicted of all charges, Hernandez faces up to 35 years in prison.

Oscar Hernandez has previously been mentioned in court by defense attorneys representing former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez. In February, Aaron Hernandez's attorneys requested notes and interviews with Oscar Hernandez conducted by law enforcement officials outside of Massachusetts. They said Oscar may be an "important witness in the case," reports the Boston Globe.

Investigators have not clarified the relationship between Oscar and Aaron Hernandez. The former New England Patriot is being held without bail in Odin Lloyd's murder.