Three Arrested, Facing Up To 10 years in Federal Prison for Possession of Machinegun Conversion Devices

DEL RIO, Texas - A San Antonio man was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of a machinegun conversion device.

According to court documents, Anethen Sergio Bruno aka "BIG A," 21, possessed at least two handguns, each equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a "switch." The devices make a firearm capable of firing automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The possession, production, and/or use of such devices is in violation of federal law and violators are considered to be in possession of a machinegun.

Bruno made his initial appearance in federal court today and is charged with two counts of possession of a machinegun. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Codefendants Hector Elias aka "COCO," 20, and Miguel Angel Reyes aka "ANGEL," 22, of Del Rio were both arrested Sept. 27 and made their initial appearances Sept. 30. Elias is charged with one count of possession of a machinegun and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the machinegun charge and up to 15 years in prison for the felon in possession charge. Reyes is charged with one count of possession of a machinegun. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Warsame Galaydh and Matt Kass are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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