Las Cruces teen faces federal charges for machine gun, stolen firearm
Instagram posts depicting firearms led to investigation, authorities say
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces teen faces federal charges after authorities discovered a stolen firearm and a modified machine gun at his residence, prompted by social media posts showing him with weapons.
Jonathan Daniel Martinez, 19, was charged in U.S. District Court with possession of a machine gun and possession of a stolen firearm, according to federal court documents.
Las Cruces police and the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force began investigating after Martinez reportedly posted several images and videos on Instagram under the username "jay_gloqk.19k." Authorities said the posts showed Martinez displaying guns, including a Glock 17 pistol fitted with an illegal conversion device known as a "Glock switch," making it fully automatic.
Investigators identified the Glock handgun through serial number CCAY249, previously reported stolen in April 2024, according to the criminal complaint. Court documents state Martinez appeared in multiple Instagram posts holding the modified firearm, which is illegal without specific authorization from federal authorities.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Martinez’s home on Sept. 15, 2024, where they located the Glock handgun with the attached conversion device in Martinez’s bedroom.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez emphasized the seriousness of the charges. "Possessing a machine gun and a stolen firearm are serious crimes, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to address threats to public safety," Uballez said.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said cooperation between agencies helped remove dangerous weapons from the community.
Martinez is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Las Cruces police continue to investigate the case.
More details are available at the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.