Alfredo Macias, Daniel Alfredo Galvan, Jesus David Vega-Rivera, Conspiracy, Arizona 2024

PHOENIX, Ariz. – A trio of individuals was sentenced to prison last week for their roles in a conspiracy to possess machineguns in Phoenix, Arizona.

Alfredo Macias, 20, Daniel Alfredo Galvan, 20, both of Phoenix, and Jesus David Vega-Rivera, 26, of Mexico, were handed down prison sentences by United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham for their involvement in the conspiracy.

Macias and Vega-Rivera were each sentenced to 51 months in prison, while Galvan received a 42-month sentence. In addition to their prison time, all three defendants were also sentenced to 36 months of supervised release following their release from prison.

The investigation revealed that Macias and Galvan had negotiated with another individual to purchase machineguns, with the intention of trafficking those firearms to Mexico. The parties exchanged text messages depicting the firearms and cash. At the time of the in-person exchange, Vega-Rivera was present with the cash for the machineguns.

Before handing down the sentences, Judge Lanham emphasized the seriousness and danger of machineguns, which are capable of firing multiple rounds in rapid succession and causing immense injury to multiple people.

Macias pleaded guilty to Possession or Transfer of a Machinegun on July 2, 2024. Galvan pleaded guilty to Possession or Transfer of a Machinegun on June 7, 2024. Vega-Rivera pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess or Transfer a Machinegun on June 7, 2024.

The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case, while the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.