Prescott man accused of selling guns to be used in mass shooting plan

PRESCOTT, AZ — A Prescott man has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts involving firearms allegedly used in a mass shooting plan.

Mark Adams Prieto, 58, was charged with trafficking in firearms, transferring a firearm for use in a hate crime and possession of an unregistered firearm, according to county officials. US Department of Justice.

The DOJ says Prieto is accused of having discussions between January and May with two people who hatched a plan “to commit mass shootings against African Americans and other minorities in order to incite a race war.” ahead of the 2024 US presidential election.

Prieto didn't know that the two people he was talking to worked for the FBI.

Officials say Prieto sold AK and AR-style rifles to the two infiltrators after discussing specific details about an attack that was scheduled to take place at a concert in Atlanta.

Law enforcement stopped Prieto in New Mexico along I-40 in May. He was allegedly in possession of multiple firearms at the time and was taken into federal custody. Other firearms, including one unregistered, were found during a search of his home.

The case remains under investigation and, if convicted, Prieto could face prison time and/or fines.