Martel Deavon Nelson, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Nevada 2022

A convicted felon from Las Vegas has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for possessing an illegally modified firearm, authorities announced.

Martel Deavon Nelson, 38, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on July 5, 2020, Nelson was involved in a disturbance at a casino, during which a security officer spotted a short-barrel AR-15 pattern rifle with an obliterated serial number in his vehicle.

Nelson’s prior felony conviction in San Bernardino County, California, for attempted murder makes him ineligible to possess a firearm under federal law.

During the search of his vehicle, authorities also found a vertical fore-grip and a large-capacity magazine.

U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the sentencing.

The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

This nationwide program aims to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer by bringing together all levels of law enforcement.

Residents with information about illegal firearms activity can contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or submit anonymous tips through the ReportIt mobile app.