Denver Gang Member Sentenced To Over 15 Years In Federal Prison For Making And Selling Dozens Of High Powered Guns, Including Machine Guns And Silencers

DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn today announced that Andres Jaquin Luna, III, age 47, of Denver, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer to serve 188 months (just under 16 years) in federal prison for possession of a machine gun and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Luna appeared at today’s sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.  His codefendant, Jose Eduardo Trujillo, was previously sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for similar conduct. 

According to arguments in court and court documents, including the stipulated facts in defendant Luna’s plea agreement, ATF agents began investigating Luna in November 2017 after he told a confidential informant that he was a Sureno gang member recently released from federal prison and looking to sell cocaine. During the investigation, Luna sold 2 pounds of methamphetamine to investigators as well as firearms, including a stolen firearm. Luna began selling firearms without serial numbers, commonly called “Ghost Guns.”

The investigation revealed that his accomplice Jose Trujillo was making these guns. Luna and Trujillo repeatedly sold such firearms to the undercover agents, even after the agents told the men that firearms were being provided to Sinaloa cartel members. Luna and Trujillo also sold fully automatic firearms and tools that make semi-automatic rifles convert into automatic weapons.  In total, Luna sold 45 guns to undercover ATF agents.

“Taking dozens of illegal high powered machine guns and rifles off the street has an immediate impact on violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “More importantly, getting lengthy sentences for those who make and sell them will have a lasting impact of public safety in Colorado.”

“ATF is committed to keeping firearms, such as the ones in this case, out of the hands of those that would bring violence into our communities.  We will continue use every resource available to ensure public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge David Booth. 

This case was investigated by the Denver ATF.  The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celeste Rangel and Kelly Churnet.