Lincoln Gun Trafficker Alvarado Gets 17.5 Years

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Alejandro Alvarado, 24, is facing a long stretch behind bars after being sentenced to 210 months – seventeen and a half years – in federal prison for a deadly combination of gun trafficking, drug dealing, and plotting violent home invasions. U.S. Attorney Steven Russell announced the sentence handed down by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard on February 2, 2023, in Lincoln.

Alvarado admitted to running guns across state lines, specifically Glock switches designed to turn ordinary handguns into illegal machine guns, from Kansas to Nebraska. The investigation quickly revealed a chilling connection: one of those modified weapons ended up in the hands of a member of the notorious Trip Set gang. Even more disturbingly, ballistics evidence confirmed that the handgun was used in a homicide committed right here in Lincoln. Judge Gerrard made a point of highlighting Alvarado’s history of violence during sentencing, a clear indication of the danger he posed to the community.

But the machine gun wasn’t Alvarado’s only vice. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a “distributable amount” of marijuana and a stash of M30 pills laced with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. He wasn’t just moving hardware; he was flooding the streets with poison. And the gun trafficking wasn’t a one-off operation. Alvarado was actively conspiring with others to commit home invasions across Lincoln, adding another layer of brutality to his criminal enterprise.

Federal authorities are clear: there’s no parole in the federal system. Alvarado will serve the full 210 months, and even then, his troubles won’t be over. Following his release, he’ll be subjected to a five-year term of supervised release, a constant reminder of his crimes and a measure of control to prevent further offenses. This sentence sends a strong message that illegally modifying and trafficking firearms, especially those connected to violent crimes, will not be tolerated.

The investigation that led to Alvarado’s conviction was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Lincoln Police Department. Their combined resources and relentless pursuit of justice brought a dangerous criminal to account. Sources within the FBI indicate that the investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed against Alvarado’s co-conspirators.

This case underscores the deadly intersection of illegal gun trafficking, drug abuse, and gang violence plaguing communities across the nation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice. The message is clear: deal in death and you *will* face the consequences.