Christopher Murrita Diaz, Drug and Gun Charges, North Carolina 2024

Two Men Sentenced to 10+ Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in North Carolina, two men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in cocaine distribution and gun charges.

Christopher Murrita Diaz, 20, and Gustavo Vergara Avalos, 21, both of Monroe, N.C., were each handed down 130 months in prison, followed by a term of supervised release, for their roles in a cocaine distribution scheme and possession of a machinegun.

Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of a machinegun, distribution of cocaine, transfer of a machinegun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Avalos, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a machinegun.

According to court documents and court proceedings, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Diaz after learning he was selling cocaine and machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as 'Glock switches.' During the investigation, Diaz sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the ATF, 28 Glock switches, a firearm, two AR-style firearms, and a machinegun.

At least one of the sales of contraband occurred at Vergara-Avalos' residence. In October 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a total of 10 firearms, 26 Glock switches, and more cocaine.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Union County Sheriff's Office, Monroe Police Department, and Waxhaw Police Department, with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte handling the prosecution.

Both men are currently in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/two-men-are-sentenced-10-years-prison-drug-and-gun-charges