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Felon Jailed for 36 Guns
David Ausborn Hiles, 48, of La Luz, New Mexico, was yesterday convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The guilty plea was entered in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and could lead to a 70-month prison sentence.
Hiles was arrested in February 2015 after a search warrant at his Otero County residence uncovered 36 firearms and approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition. The New Mexico State Police were involved in the search and seizure operation, which was part of an investigation into Hiles’ illegal possession of firearms.
A previous conviction for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, tampering with evidence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and intimidation of a witness has rendered Hiles ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition. The indictment, filed on April 14, 2015, detailed the seriousness of Hiles’ actions and the need for justice.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Hiles is expected to forfeit the 36 firearms and approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition found at his residence. The sentencing hearing, which will determine the exact duration of Hiles’ prison sentence, has yet to be scheduled.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Mexico State Police, with assistance from the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the State of New Mexico.
Hiles remains in custody as he awaits his sentencing hearing. This conviction serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of breaking federal firearms laws and the importance of law enforcement’s role in keeping communities safe.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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