14 suspects accused of conspiracy around straw purchases of belt-fed firearms and rifles

PHOENIX — Fourteen suspects accused of conspiracy around straw purchases of firearms were charged in a 20-count indictment on Wednesday, according to authorities.

Thirteen of the individuals allegedly were paid to buy belt-fed rifles and Barrett .50 caliber semi-automatic rifles for 26-year-old David Quevedo of El Mirage, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

The firearms were purchased from stores in Phoenix and Yuma between July 15, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023.

The 13 suspects who bought the guns lied on the firearm transaction forms they filled out, according to prosecutors, saying that they were buying the guns for themselves.

The charged individuals include:

• David Quevedo, 26, of El Mirage.
• Mario Ayala, Jr., 23, of Maricopa.
• Randy Valenzuela-Chinchillas, 24, of Phoenix.
• Aidee Espinoza, 29, of Phoenix.
• Todd Nuttall, 52, of Gilbert.
• Earl Burch, 49, of Mesa.
• Wyatt Fernandez, 26, of Tempe.
• Jorge Roman, 28, of Mesa.
• Dylan Burch, 21, of Eloy.
• Shawna O’Shea, 56, of Tempe.
• Damaris Moreno, 22, of Phoenix.
• Noelia Gomez, 25, of Chandler.
• Melissa Talamante, 31, of San Tan Valley.
• Michael Wingate, 31, of Mesa.

A conviction for conspiracy could lead to up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both, while making a material false statement during a firearm purchase carries up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

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