Jaythean Diaz, Conspiring to Steal Firearms, New Hampshire 2021

A brazen crime has shaken the quiet town of Derry, New Hampshire. On December 8, 2021, 19-year-old Jaythean Diaz, along with his co-conspirators, broke into Second Amendment Outdoors, a federal firearms licensee, and made off with 12 stolen firearms.

Among the stolen items were 11 pistols and one rifle. According to investigators, Diaz and his accomplices made a successful getaway, but their actions didn’t go unnoticed. Videos recovered from a co-conspirator’s phone show Diaz proudly holding the stolen firearms, and messages on another device reveal attempts to sell at least one of the stolen guns.

The case drew in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, who led the investigation. The Lawrence Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and multiple other local law enforcement agencies provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is responsible for prosecuting the case.

The indictment against Diaz was filed on July 11, 2022. Diaz has since pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante has scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2023.

The law carries a penalty of no more than 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution in an amount to be determined at sentencing. Sentencing guidelines are set by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which brings together law enforcement and local communities to combat gun violence and reduce violent crime. The initiative focuses on fostering trust, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Diaz and his co-conspirators had committed a serious crime. Their actions put the public at risk, and the swift justice they face serves as a reminder that crime will not be tolerated in our communities.

Jaythean Diaz’s guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of community-based initiatives in preventing such crimes.

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