LOS ANGELES, California– Two brothers from San Jacinto have pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges related to nearly three dozen machineguns, as well as short-barrel shotguns and silencers, that were found at their residence by authorities conducting an investigation in another matter.

Alfred Arviso, 35, and Nathaniel Arviso, 33, each pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to one count of illegally possessing machine guns.

The cache of weapons at the Arvisos' residence was discovered by Riverside County Sheriff's Department on May 15 during the execution of a search warrant in an unrelated investigation. During the search, law enforcement discovered 33 machineguns (which includes 15 short-barrel rifles), another seven short-barrel rifles that were not automatic weapons, and eight silencers without serial numbers.

“Federal law strictly regulates firearms that have a high potential for causing mass casualties, such as automatic weapons that can fire multiple rounds with one trigger pull,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The cache of dangerous weapons found in this case could have made their way into the hands of criminals, endangering public safety.”

Alfred Arviso, who was remanded into custody yesterday after pleading guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge S. James Otero on February 27, 2017. Nathaniel Arviso, who remains free on bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6. At sentencing, each brother faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julius J. Nam of the Riverside branch office.

USAO – California, Central Updated November 10, 2016

Central District of California DOJ / 16-281 / November 10, 2016