A Los Lunas man has been charged in federal court after an undercover investigation allegedly revealed a sustained operation to manufacture, convert, and sell machineguns and a significant quantity of machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as "switches," according to an April 27 statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.
The case highlights growing concerns over the illegal sale and distribution of devices that can convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. Law enforcement officials say these devices increase risks to both public safety and police officers.
According to court documents, Robert Gurule, 23, was identified by an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in August and September 2025 after advertising firearms for sale on Facebook. The investigation led to multiple controlled purchases where Gurule allegedly sold firearms equipped with conversion devices. On October 2, 2025, he reportedly sold a rifle with such a device for $1,600. Another transaction occurred on December 5, involving three machineguns and another firearm for $4,600. Laboratory analysis confirmed these items met the federal definition of machineguns.
In April 2026, Gurule allegedly arranged to sell about 80 conversion devices and additional firearms to an undercover agent. On April 24, Gurule and codefendant Izatah Hausner were arrested after displaying the devices during a negotiated sale valued at $11,500. During this meeting Hausner also allegedly offered fentanyl distribution.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said: “The illegal sale of these conversion devices is a deliberate escalation of violence that puts our community and our officers at extreme risk… My priority remains keeping New Mexicans safe by relentlessly prosecuting those who flood our streets with these illegal weapons.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes said: "The trafficking of machinegun conversion devices has evolved from a domestic policing issue into a transnational threat… Through historic cooperation…the ATF and our partners are targeting these social media-driven networks to close the lethality gap that threatens law enforcement and civilian safety on both sides of the border." New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez added: “By working alongside our federal and local partners… we are sending a strong message: the illegal trafficking of machineguns and conversion devices will not be tolerated in New Mexico.”
Gurule is charged with unlawful possession and transfer of a machinegun; Hausner is charged with aiding and abetting. Both remain in custody pending detention hearings scheduled for April 29. If convicted each faces up to ten years in prison.
Authorities say that between 2018–2023 thousands of such conversion devices have been recovered nationwide by ATF; their use among violent street gangs is rising rapidly along with associated risks for mass casualties during confrontations with law enforcement or within communities.
