Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Possession of Machinegun Conversion Device

BUFFALO, NEW YORK — A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a machinegun after law enforcement recovered a firearm equipped with an illegal conversion device during a public safety incident tied to a college sporting event.

Luis Mercado, also known as “Yvng Fabii,” 24, of Buffalo, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., to one count of possession of a machinegun. The offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to prosecutors, the case stems from an incident on February 9, 2024, when officers responded to a disturbance following a basketball game at Buffalo State University. Mercado was observed leaving the scene of a fight and attempted to flee when officers moved to detain him. During the encounter, Mercado raised his arms and informed officers that he was armed.

Law enforcement recovered a loaded, defaced handgun from Mercado’s waistband. The firearm was fitted with an illegal machinegun conversion device—commonly referred to as a “switch”—and an extended magazine, configuration elements that federal authorities state dramatically increase lethality by enabling sustained automatic fire.

Federal prosecutors emphasized that possession of conversion devices is treated as possession of a machinegun under federal law, regardless of whether the firearm was discharged. Officials noted that such devices have become a growing concern nationwide due to their low cost, ease of installation, and frequent appearance in violent crime investigations.

Authorities stated that the recovery of a converted firearm in the context of a crowded public venue underscores the risk posed by these devices, particularly in environments where large numbers of civilians are present. Federal officials stressed that enforcement actions targeting illegal firearm modifications are a priority due to the disproportionate threat they present to public safety and responding officers.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the New York State Police and the Buffalo State University Police. Prosecutors credited joint response and evidence handling with securing the guilty plea.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, Jeffrey E. Intravatola, and Katerina F. Powers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. Federal officials reiterated that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, and noted that Mercado’s conviction resulted from a voluntary guilty plea.

With sentencing pending, authorities stated that the case reflects continued federal efforts to disrupt the circulation of illegal machinegun conversion devices and to address firearm offenses that elevate the risk of mass casualty outcomes in public spaces.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

🔥 NOW AVAILABLE! 🔥

‎👉 Eclipsera – Apple Music

---

---

---

---

---