A Las Vegas resident, Francisco Iniguez, appeared in court on Wednesday before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. He is accused of possessing nearly 30 stolen firearms, despite having prior felony convictions.
The indictment and court statements allege that on January 25, 2025, Iniguez was found with 28 stolen firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. His criminal history includes possession of a firearm by a felon, vehicle theft without consent, grand theft, identity theft, and second-degree burglary in Los Angeles County, California. Due to these prior convictions, he is legally prohibited from owning firearms.
Iniguez faces charges of possession of stolen firearms and being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. His jury trial is set for May 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.
If convicted on all counts, Iniguez could face up to 25 years in prison. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the case.
The investigation was conducted by ATF alongside the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Authorities urge anyone with information about illegal firearms activity to contact ATF via their hotline or mobile app.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.