Federal drug and weapons charges filed against Tucson man

Jesus Antonio Najar, 22, was charged in connection with four events that occurred in 2023 and 2024, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Earlier this month, the grand jury indicted Najar on several counts, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; use/carrying a firearm during a drug crime; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and possession of an unregistered firearm, including a machine gun, short-barreled rifle and silencer.

It was alleged that on April 19, officers with the Tucson Police Department arrested Najar after he was seen driving a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly found a device used to convert a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon, officers said.

They also allegedly found an AR pistol with an obliterated manufacturer's serial number, as well as silencers without serial numbers, none of which were registered in his name.

The indictment further alleges that on October 12, 2023, Najar conspired to possess and actually possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it. He also allegedly committed drug crimes while using and possessing three firearms, including a machine gun, and also possessed a Glock 17 with a machine gun conversion device attached and not registered to his name.

Additionally, Najar is accused of possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle on December 11, 2023.

Najar could be sentenced to life in prison, as well as a fine of up to $1.5 million and a potential sentence of three years, or up to life supervised release, if convicted of each count.