Juan Aparicio, Firearm Trafficking, Massachusetts 2022

A Lowell man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in advertising the sale of firearms on Snapchat.

Juan Aparicio, 31, was sentenced on July 15, 2022, in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts. On February 10, 2022, Aparicio pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The charges stem from Aparicio's actions in June 2019 and January 2020, when he posted videos on Snapchat offering to sell numerous firearms. A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of a loaded assault rifle and handgun.

Aparicio is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins stated that firearms are inherently dangerous weapons and that those who lawfully carry them in Massachusetts are required to undergo a thorough vetting process. She emphasized that convicted felons like Aparicio are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms in any way.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, and the Lowell Police Department. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer.

Aparicio will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Panich and Charles Dell'Anno.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/lowell-man-sentenced-seven-years-prison-illegal-firearm-charges