TUCSON, AZ – Jonathan Edward Mayer, 22, of Tacoma, Washington, a former University of Arizona student, is headed to federal prison for seven years after a raid on his Tucson apartment uncovered a sophisticated drug and firearms operation. Mayer was sentenced on June 30, 2023, to 84 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Scott H. Rash, following a guilty plea on multiple federal charges.
The bust, which occurred in October 2021, revealed a disturbing cache hidden beneath Mayer’s bed. Agents found a bag of marijuana, a fully-assembled “ghost gun” fitted with an automatic conversion switch – effectively turning it into a machine gun – and a staggering $20,000 in cash. The search also turned up individually wrapped cocaine, bulk quantities of the drug, six firearms, high-capacity magazines, a silencer, psychedelic mushrooms, amphetamines, and even a small amount of LSD. A loaded Glock pistol with a 30-round magazine was discovered in a backpack Mayer routinely carried on campus.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Mayer wasn’t just a user, but a trafficker. He admitted to shipping marijuana, mushrooms, and the illegal machine gun conversion devices through the U.S. Postal Service to various locations across the country. The investigation, a joint effort between the ATF, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and University of Arizona Police Department, painted a picture of a student deeply involved in an out-of-state criminal network.
“Schools and guns are a dangerous combination,” stated U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino. “The defendant got caught up with the wrong people from out-of-state, and his actions created a public safety risk here in Tucson.” The case underscores the growing threat of privately manufactured firearms, or “ghost guns,” and their connection to illicit drug distribution. The presence of a silencer further heightened the danger posed by Mayer’s operation.
Acting Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service emphasized the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking organizations that exploit the mail system. “U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to continuing our work to dismantle drug trafficking organizations to keep USPS customers and employees safe,” Henderson said. DEA Phoenix Division Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz added, “I commend the outstanding work conducted by law enforcement in this investigation, which saved lives.”
Mayer pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and three counts of Possession of Unregistered Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan P. DeJoe, with assistance from colleagues in the Eastern District of Washington, secured the conviction. Case Number: 21-CR-3187-TUC-SHR. Release Number: 2023-111_Mayer.
Related Federal Cases
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- Alexander Fitwi, Gun Trafficking, Nevada 2024 · Nevada
- Jonathan M. Cuney, Ghost Gun Possession, NY 2024 · Missouri
- Mosses Ramos, Jail Bribery & Drug Trafficking, Idaho 2024 · California
- College Place Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking, Gun Charges · Idaho
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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