Mylin Murel, Burglary, Indiana 2021

SOUTH BEND, IN – A young Atlanta man is headed to federal prison for nearly eight years after admitting to a brazen burglary of a South Bend firearms dealer in June 2021. Mylin Murel, 20, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 97 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence follows Murel’s guilty plea in the case.

According to court documents, Murel didn’t just break into the federally licensed firearms dealer’s store – he cleaned them out. The haul included 15 handguns, one shotgun, two sound suppressors, and a significant quantity of ammunition. The burglary itself was just the first act in a quick descent into criminal activity. Investigators quickly discovered Murel wasn’t holding onto the stolen weapons for long.

In the days after the break-in, Murel was overheard discussing the sale of the stolen firearms with associates. Crucially, he even shared a photograph showcasing the stolen guns, effectively incriminating himself. The evidence showed Murel didn’t hesitate to profit from the stolen weapons, successfully selling one of the handguns for $650.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, with valuable assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The quick work of both agencies allowed them to connect Murel to the burglary and the subsequent sale of a stolen firearm, building a solid case that led to his conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Jerome W. McKeever prosecuted the case.

Federal officials are framing the sentencing as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice recently doubled down on PSN, emphasizing community trust, support for local organizations, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. This case, they claim, exemplifies those core principles.

While the sentencing offers a degree of closure, the case highlights the ongoing threat of illegal firearms trafficking and the persistent challenge of keeping guns out of the hands of those who would misuse them. Murel’s actions weren’t just a property crime; they represent a direct danger to public safety, and the lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense.

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