“Investigations and prosecutions such as this help to keep communities safe and improves the quality of life for neighboring residents. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement in their work to keep the public safe.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FRESNO— On October 16, 2023, Miguel Deniz, 33, of Farmersville, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possession of a machine gun, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to court documents, on May 1, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Deniz’s residence and found:

• more than a pound of methamphetamine,
• an AK-style rifle, a Mossberg pump action shotgun,
• six handguns,
• 18 magazines,
• two handgun silencers,
• a ballistic vest,
• thousands of rounds of live ammunition,
• and firearm accessories.

During the search, law enforcement officers also found “auto-sear” devices that are used to convert semi-automatic firearms to fire as fully automatic machine guns. Deniz is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case.