Federal jury convicts Rochester man of possessing a machinegun

ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury convicted David L. Rivera-Ruiz, 31, of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas E. Gregory and Brandon Gonzalez, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on October 27, 2022, Ruiz possessed a machinegun, a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, equipped with a conversion device. Ruiz also possessed additional firearms. In addition, Ruiz possessed with the intent to sell, quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. In September 2016, Ruiz was convicted of felon gun crimes in Camden County, New Jersey and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.