On April 2, 2025, Timothy Courchaine, the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, announced the unsealing of a 20-count indictment against 14 individuals. These individuals, all from Arizona, face charges related to Conspiracy to Submit a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm and other offenses.
The indictment claims that from July 15, 2023, to December 23, 2023, 13 individuals were allegedly paid to acquire belt-fed rifles and Barrett .50 caliber semi-automatic rifles for one David Moreno Quevedo. These purchases were made from licensed firearms dealers in the Phoenix and Yuma areas. It is alleged that they falsely stated on the ATF Form 4473 that the firearms were for their personal use.
The individuals charged include David Moreno Quevedo, Mario Alberto Ayala, Jr., Randy Obed Valenzuela Chinchillas, Aidee Espinoza, Todd Robert Nuttall, Earl Marlow Burch, Wyatt Michael Fernandez, Jorge Luis Roman, Dylan Morgan Burch, Shawna Marie O’Shea, Damaris Davila Moreno, Noelia Valenzuela Gomez, Melissa Osorio Talamante, and Michael Andrew Wingate.
If convicted of Conspiracy, individuals could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. For the Material False Statement charge, the maximum penalty is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.
It is important to note that "an indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguard communities from violent crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus W. Shand of the District of Arizona handling the prosecution.
For further details, the public can visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona's website or follow their Twitter account.