22-year-old Tucson man charged with gun and drug trafficking

PHOENIX — A Tucson man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possessing multiple illegal firearms, gun paraphernalia and cocaine.

Jesus Antonio Najar was charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; possession of an unregistered firearm; use/carrying a firearm during a drug crime; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The indictment alleges that Tucson police officers apprehended Najar on April 19 after he was seen driving a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers say they found an AR pistol with a ruined serial number and silencers without a serial number. Upon inspection, authorities say none of the items were registered in Najar's name.

The 22-year-old also suffered from a drop in the automatic trigger system, a regulated device used to convert a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon, according to police.

The indictment also alleges that Najar possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it in October 2023. Police say he committed drug crimes while using and possessing three firearms , including a Glock 17 machine gun and handgun. The Glock 17 was allegedly equipped with a machine gun conversion device attached and not registered to Najar.

Additionally, authorities say Najar was also in possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle in December 2023.

Convictions for the various offenses alleged in the indictment can result in penalties ranging from a $10,000 fine to life in prison.