Christopher Murrita Diaz, 20, and Gustavo Vergara Avalos, 21, both from Monroe, North Carolina, have been sentenced to over ten years in prison for drug and gun charges. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Both individuals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a machinegun. Additionally, Diaz admitted to distribution of cocaine, transfer of a machinegun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Alicia Jones from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, along with Sheriff Eddie Cathey from the Union County Sheriff’s Office joined U.S. Attorney Ferguson in announcing the sentences.
The investigation into Diaz began when law enforcement discovered he was involved in selling cocaine and machinegun conversion devices known as “Glock switches.” During this investigation, Diaz sold cocaine to an ATF informant along with 28 Glock switches, a firearm, two AR-style firearms, and a machinegun. Some sales took place at Vergara-Avalos’ residence. In October 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at this location where they seized 10 firearms, 26 Glock switches, and additional cocaine.
Both men remain in custody awaiting transfer to a federal facility designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Union County Sheriff’s Office while prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
