Mark Adams Prieto, 58, of Prescott, was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday on firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime and possession of an unregistered firearm.
The indictment alleges that, between January and May, Prieto had discussions with two individuals working with the FBI to devise a plan to commit a mass shooting of African Americans and other minorities to incite a race war prior to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Prieto did not know the individuals were working with the government, but instead believed that they shared his racist beliefs and wanted to commit a mass shooting to incite a race war. The targeted event was a concert in Atlanta that was going to be held on May 14 and May 15.
The indictment further alleges that, having discussed specific details about the planned attack, Prieto sold two rifles to one of the individuals, an AK-style rifle on Feb. 25, and an AR-style rifle on March 24. During the entire investigation, the FBI closely monitored Prieto’s movements. On May 14, Prieto was stopped by law enforcement driving east from Arizona through New Mexico along Interstate 40. Prieto was in possession of seven firearms and was taken into federal custody. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at his home in Prescott. Law enforcement found more firearms in his residence, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
If convicted of firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, Prieto faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. If convicted of possession of an unregistered firearm, Prieto faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General, Arizona Attorney General’s Office and Prescott Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is prosecuting the case with assistance from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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