Bernalillo County man pleads guilty to possession of firearms, destructive devices

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – David Richard Chavez, 57, of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession of an unregistered destructive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

              According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 26, 2020, Chavez barricaded himself inside his home when officers arrived in response to a domestic dispute between Chavez and his wife. Chavez threatened to burn down the couple’s home and later attempted to do so using two Molotov cocktails. At the time, Chavez also possessed a stolen .380 caliber pistol and 36 rounds of ammunition.

              Chavez has five prior felony convictions from New Mexico and Montana, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, theft and criminal endangerment. As a previously convicted felon, Chavez cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

              Chavez will remain in custody pending sentencing. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chavez faces up to four years and nine months in prison.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.