FRESNO, Calif. — A ruthless methamphetamine trafficker has been brought to justice, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Miguel Deniz, 33, of Farmersville, was sentenced today to 17 years and six months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possession of a machine gun, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On May 1, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Deniz’s residence, uncovering a shocking array of illicit materials. The discovery included over a pound of methamphetamine, an AK-style rifle, a Mossberg pump action shotgun, six handguns, 18 magazines, two handgun silencers, a ballistic vest, thousands of rounds of live ammunition, and firearm accessories.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. During the search, law enforcement officers also found ‘auto-sear’ devices that are used to convert semi-automatic firearms to fire as fully automatic machine guns. Deniz, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy in 2021, strengthening PSN by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said, ‘Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in California. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle the networks of methamphetamine traffickers and felons with firearms.’
Mandatory Facts:
• Defendant: Miguel Deniz
• Exact Criminal Charges: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possession of a machine gun
• City and State: Fresno, California
• Exact Date: May 1, 2019 (search warrant), May 26, 2023 (sentencing)
• Sentence or Outcome: 17 years and six months in prison
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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