Jamez Aaron Sandoval, 26, of San Juan, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in federal prison for possessing destructive devices and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The sentence, handed down by U.S. Chief District Judge Randy Crane, will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The court learned that Sandoval, a self-admitted member of the Westside gang, attempted to construct a homemade grenade, carried a firearm during a grenade transaction, and recorded himself firing fully automatic weapons. Sandoval had previously posted a disturbing video on social media, showing an individual firing a machine gun-equipped firearm toward law enforcement officers.
Sandoval’s arrest took place on August 1 after he purchased two grenade-style destructive devices from an undercover ATF agent. Following the arrest, authorities searched Sandoval’s residence, uncovering cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and firearms.
Further investigations revealed that Sandoval had previously sold machine gun conversion devices to law enforcement and later sought to purchase grenades. Authorities also confirmed that Sandoval used one of the firearms found in his home for protection during his involvement in drug trafficking activities.
Sandoval will remain in custody pending his transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, which is expected to be determined soon.
