ABQ Times

An Albuquerque woman, Rachel Jasso, has pleaded guilty in federal court to dealing firearms without a license and possessing a machine gun conversion device. The charges stem from her involvement in selling these devices with her son, Joe Jasso, to an undercover ATF agent in 2023.

The investigation initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began in December 2022 when Joe Jasso's Instagram account was found advertising machine gun conversion devices. Despite deleting the account in January 2023, agents identified a new account linked to him through distinctive identifiers such as his skeleton hand tattoo. Undercover operations resulted in two controlled purchases from both Joe and Rachel Jasso in February 2023.

During one exchange on February 7, 2023, Joe demonstrated how to install a Glock Switch on a firearm while Rachel was present. A search warrant executed at their residence on February 16 led to the recovery of ten firearms, five machine gun conversion devices, ammunition, magazines, and a 3D printer used for manufacturing these devices.

Neither individual possessed the necessary federal firearms license for legal possession or sale of these items. Additionally, thirteen firearms purchased by Rachel between July 2020 and February 2023 were linked to criminal investigations.

Rachel remains in custody awaiting sentencing where she faces up to ten years imprisonment and fines reaching $250,000. Similarly charged is Joe Jasso who pleaded guilty on June 11, 2024; he also awaits sentencing with potential penalties matching those of his mother.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez alongside Brendan Iber from the Phoenix Field Division of ATF announced this development today. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado with investigative assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department.

Machine gun conversion devices are illegal as they convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones capable of continuous fire with one trigger pull—an offense carrying severe penalties including up to ten years imprisonment and hefty fines.

These devices pose significant public safety threats evidenced by thousands recovered by ATF between 2018-2023—a trend exacerbated by violent street gangs utilizing them for enhanced firepower against communities and law enforcement alike.

Public cooperation remains vital; anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or conversion devices is urged to contact ATF immediately via phone at 1-888-ATF-Tips (1-888-283-8477), email at ATFTips@atf.gov or visiting www.atf.gov/atf-tips.