A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Luis Mercado, also known as Yvng Fabii, age 24, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, Jeffrey E. Intravatola, and Katerina F. Powers are handling the case. Authorities stated that on February 9, 2024, police stopped Mercado after he fled from a fight at a Buffalo State University basketball game. During the stop, Mercado reportedly raised his arms and said, “I got the thing on me.” When asked for clarification by officers, he replied, “I got the joint on me.” Officers then recovered a loaded defaced pistol with a machinegun conversion device and an extended magazine from Mercado’s waistband.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto; and the Buffalo State University Police under Chief Amy Pedlow.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
