PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mark Adams Prieto, 58, of Prescott, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on serious charges of Firearms Trafficking, Transfer of a Firearm for Use in a Hate Crime, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
The investigation reveals that from January to May 2024, Prieto allegedly plotted with two individuals—a scheme that involved inciting a race war by targeting African Americans and other minorities at a concert in Atlanta. The event was scheduled for May 14-15, 2024, coinciding with the presidential election. Unbeknownst to him, these ‘allies’ were actually agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Prieto’s sinister plan came to light when he sold two rifles—an AK-style on February 25 and an AR-style on March 24—to one of the FBI agents posing as a like-minded shooter. The Feds monitored his movements closely, culminating in Prieto being stopped by law enforcement with seven firearms in New Mexico on May 14, 2024.
A subsequent search warrant at Prieto’s home in Prescott yielded additional firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle. Each of the charges against him—Firearms Trafficking and Transfer of Firearm for Use in a Hate Crime—carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, while Possession of an Unregistered Firearm carries a maximum of 10 years.
It is important to note that an indictment merely charges a person with criminal activity; it does not imply guilt. Prieto remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.
This investigation was spearheaded by the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI, with support from multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General, and local law enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona are handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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