St. Cloud Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Possessing Unregistered Short-Barreled Rifle

Orlando, Florida – In a move to crack down on firearms related crimes, a federal judge has handed down a 21-month prison sentence to Yunis Isaac Mejia (28, St. Cloud) for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

According to evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, Mejia had modified a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 pistol into a short-barreled rifle by attaching an aftermarket shoulder stock. The modification made the firearm fall under the National Firearms Act, which requires registration of short-barreled rifles.

Mejia then attempted to sell the firearm to an undercover source working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He even provided instructions to the source on how to modify a similar pistol, further highlighting the severity of his actions.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier led the prosecution of the case.

The sentencing of Mejia comes as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. This initiative aims to reduce violent crime by focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partnering with prevention and reentry programs.

The PSN Program has been proven effective in reducing violent crime in several communities. By working together, law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders can develop comprehensive solutions to address pressing crime issues.

Defendant: Yunis Isaac Mejia, 28, St. Cloud.

Criminal Charges: Possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

City and State: Orlando, Florida.

Exact Date: January 28, 2022 (sentencing hearing).

Sentence: 21 months in federal prison.