A Buffalo man admitted in federal court that he illegally possessed a machinegun during an incident at a college basketball game.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said Luis Mercado, 24, also known by the stage name “Yvng Fabii,” pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.
Prosecutors said the case stems from a Feb. 9 incident at a Buffalo State University basketball game. Police officers tried to stop Mercado as he fled a fight inside the arena.
Authorities said Mercado raised his arms and told officers, “I got the thing on me.” When asked what he meant, he responded, “I got the joint on me,” according to court records.
Officers recovered a loaded pistol from Mercado’s waistband. Prosecutors said the gun had been defaced, fitted with a machinegun conversion device, and equipped with an extended magazine.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, New York State Police, and Buffalo State University Police.
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