A Chicago man, identified as Edwin Moreno, was charged on Wednesday with the illegal possession of a machine gun after an encounter with undercover federal agents. Moreno, also known as “AK,” was caught with a Glock .45-caliber pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device (MCD), allowing the handgun to function as a fully automatic weapon.
The incident unfolded when Moreno and an accomplice were recruited by ATF agents who posed as repo men in need of armed security. Unaware that they were dealing with undercover agents, both men arrived at the meeting armed. Moreno was seen carrying a Draco-style pistol with an extended magazine, while his partner had the switch-equipped Glock concealed in his waistband.
During the meeting, both men revealed electronic monitoring ankle bracelets under their pant legs and emphasized the need to return home by 9:45 p.m. The undercover agents later purchased the Glock from Moreno’s accomplice for $3,000, who admitted to firing the weapon in fully automatic mode and praised its performance.
Following the meeting, Moreno was arrested at an undercover facility in Joliet. He confessed to knowing about the conversion device and acknowledged possessing the weapon on the day of the encounter. He now faces a federal charge of possessing a machine gun, with a detention hearing scheduled for February 25.
The firearm possession case highlights the dangers of illegal weapon modifications and the importance of strict gun control measures. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearms trafficking and ensure public safety. As the legal proceedings continue, the authorities remain vigilant in preventing the misuse of firearms and holding individuals accountable for illegal weapon possession.
