Luis Mercado, also known as Yvng Fabii, has been arrested and charged with possession of a machinegun and a firearm with an altered serial number. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the charges against the 24-year-old Buffalo resident, which could lead to a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola. According to the criminal complaint, on February 9, 2024, police officers from Buffalo State University responded to an altercation at a men's basketball game. During their investigation, Mercado attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement officers.
Upon confrontation, Mercado reportedly raised his arms and admitted having "the thing" on him. When further questioned about what he had in his possession, he referred to it as "the joint." A pat-down search revealed that Mercado was carrying a loaded pistol equipped with a suspected machine gun conversion device and an extended magazine. It was later discovered that the firearm's serial number had been defaced.
Following his arrest, Mercado made an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr., where he was held pending a detention hearing.
The investigation leading to these charges involved efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the New York State Police led by Major Amie Feroleto.
