A San Antonio man was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun and unregistered firearm after firing a weapon near Lackland Air Force Base in 2024.
Joseph Anthony Jimenez, 20, fired a stolen 9mm pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD) into a field near Lackland Air Force Base on two separate occasions on August 17, 2024. The MCD, also known as a ‘Glock switch,’ allows a firearm to fire as a fully automatic weapon.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons, stated that Jimenez’s actions demonstrate the dangers of machinegun conversion devices and set an example of what not to do.
According to court documents, Jimenez admitted to accidentally shooting his friend later that same day, then throwing the MCD-equipped handgun over the perimeter fence of an apartment complex.
Jimenez was arrested on a state warrant on August 29, 2024. He was federally indicted with possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm on November 6, 2024, and transferred to federal custody on November 21, 2024. On December 3, 2025, Jimenez pleaded guilty to both charges.
The case was investigated by the ATF, FBI, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Air Force 502nd Security Forces Group, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wannarka prosecuted the case.
Joseph Anthony Jimenez’s exact criminal charges include possession of a machine gun and unregistered firearm. He was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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