TUCSON, Ariz. – The grim streets of Tucson were witness to a major crackdown on the illegal arms trade this week as Brian Jesus Hernandez, 24, was collared by authorities for dealing firearms without a license and possessing unregistered firearms.
Hernandez, a 24-year-old from Tucson, made headlines after detectives uncovered his nefarious activities using a SnapChat account. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office released chilling details of how the young man advertised and sold firearms on social media platforms, openly flouting federal gun laws.
In a chilling display of criminal enterprise, Hernandez sold a fully automatic 9mm pistol to an undercover detective from the Tucson Police Department on November 17, 2022. The weapon was not only unregistered but also bore no serial number – a stark violation of federal firearm regulations.
On February 6, 2023, the danger escalated as Hernandez sold a ‘drop-in auto sear’ to an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This conversion device transforms a semiautomatic AR-15 style rifle into a fully automatic weapon. The despicable dealer even boasted that he had manufactured the device with his own 3D printer, demonstrating his sinister ingenuity in a video that outlined its use.
Following this heinous act, agents from various law enforcement agencies converged on Hernandez’s residence to execute a search warrant. The result was a stunning seizure of two 3D printers, four firearms, and numerous firearm parts. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, ensuring the community’s safety.
The investigation in this case was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, and the Tucson Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is now handling the prosecution of Hernandez.
Hernandez faces serious charges for his illegal activities, and the community is breathing a sigh of relief that such a dangerous individual has been taken off the streets. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Stay tuned for updates by following the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona on Twitter at @USAO_AZ.
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