Justin D. Whatcott Acting United States Attorney for the District of Idaho | Department of Justice
Four individuals have been sentenced to federal prison in Idaho for firearms offenses, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. The cases, prosecuted in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, reflect ongoing efforts to enforce federal firearms laws and keep weapons out of the hands of those prohibited from possessing them.
“As these cases demonstrate, my office will work with all of our law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal firearms laws and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Davis.
In one case, Andrew James Solver, 42, from Council, received a six-year sentence for unlawfully possessing an AR-15 rifle. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also imposed three years of supervised release after his prison term. Court records show that on January 28, 2025, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ranger discovered an illegal campsite north of Emmett and identified Solver as the individual at the site after he fled from contact. Solver was found to have an outstanding felony warrant and was violating state parole. He was arrested when officers returned to the area and admitted that he had stolen the AR-15 during a burglary in Gem County.
Solver’s criminal history includes six prior felony convictions such as burglary and possession of controlled substances, making him legally barred from having firearms.
"The Bureau of Land Management is proud to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uphold the law and protect our public lands,” said Becky Andres, BLM Office of Law Enforcement and Security Special Agent in Charge of Region 2. “This successful prosecution contributes to a safer, more secure community.”
The investigation involved cooperation between the Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement and Security, BLM Rangers, Idaho Fish and Game, and Gem County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker prosecuted this case.
In another case, Francisco Javier Burgos, 20, from Nampa was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a handgun. Judge Brailsford also ordered three years supervised release following incarceration. On January 2, 2025, Burgos was approached by Nampa police while in a park after hours; he fled but was apprehended after attempting to hide a loaded handgun nearby. Burgos is a documented gang member with a previous misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence which prohibits firearm possession.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended both the Nampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their roles in this prosecution; Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker handled this case as well.
Christopher Hayman, 39, from Boise received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison for possessing unregistered short-barreled rifles along with three years supervised release post-conviction. In summer 2024 Hayman purchased over thirty firearms despite being under a civil domestic violence protection order from California—which made him prohibited from owning guns—and on pretrial diversion related to domestic violence charges in Washington state.
ATF agents executed a search warrant at Hayman’s residence where they found several firearms including two short-barreled rifles—one described as a ghost gun—that were not registered as required by law; additional items included high-capacity magazines.
“Illegal firearm possession endangers our community and undermines the safety we work hard to protect. ATF is determined to ensure those who choose to break the law face the consequences of their actions, and this sentence shows our commitment to holding those offenders accountable,” said Eric Jackson, ATF’s Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted Hayman's case; ATF led the investigation.
Jesus Cuevas—a Mexican national aged 36—was sentenced on November 13th to five years’ imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession by Senior U.S District Judge B Lynn Winmill; he will also serve three years supervised release upon completion but faces likely deportation due to his immigration status after serving time.
Court documents indicate that on January 3rd last year Cuevas possessed two guns including one short-barreled rifle while being legally barred due his prior felony burglary conviction; later during pretrial release officers stopped him for traffic violations finding another loaded gun inside his vehicle's console.
U.S Attorney Davis credited both Nampa Police Department & ATF with bringing charges against Cuevas; Assistant U S Attorneys Dave Morse & Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this matter jointly.
Both Hayman’s & Cuevas’ prosecutions were supported by special assistant attorneys funded through regional initiatives aimed at addressing gang-related crime—the Treasure Valley Partnership consists local officials working together across southwest Idaho on coordinated growth strategies involving public safety concerns such as gun violence reduction programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN brings together various levels law enforcement with communities focusing on reducing violent crime through trust-building strategic enforcement priorities support organizations preventing violence measurement outcomes since its enhanced strategy launch May 26th 2021.
