PHOENIX, Ariz. — Fourteen individuals from across Arizona have been indicted in a major firearms trafficking case involving the illegal purchase of 18 belt-fed and .50 caliber rifles, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine announced Wednesday.
According to the 20-count indictment, 13 people were allegedly paid to act as “straw buyers” for David Moreno Quevedo, 26, of El Mirage. Between July and December 2023, they falsely claimed they were purchasing the weapons for themselves on federal ATF Form 4473, when in fact the firearms were intended for Quevedo.
The firearms were bought from licensed dealers in the Phoenix and Yuma areas. The charges include conspiracy and making false statements during firearm purchases — crimes that carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Operation Take Back America Targeting Cartels, Illegal Firearms
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and cracking down on illegal firearms trafficking. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“This case highlights the serious consequences of lying on firearms forms to funnel military-style weapons into the wrong hands,” Courchaine said.
The charged individuals hail from cities including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, and San Tan Valley. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus W. Shand.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
