By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published June 13th, 2026
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FORT MYERS, Fla. — A Plant City man has been sentenced to federal prison after authorities discovered a modified handgun capable of fully automatic fire during a traffic stop in Southwest Florida.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Alex Cruz, 24, of Plant City, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a machinegun.
News Brief Summary
- Alex Cruz, 24, of Plant City, sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
- Pleaded guilty to possessing a machinegun.
- Modified 10mm Glock handgun discovered during a traffic stop in Hendry County.
- Firearm was equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
- Investigators said Cruz's DNA was found on the weapon.
- Court documents state Cruz made statements indicating he knew the firearm functioned as a machine-gun.
- Case investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court records, the incident occurred in February 2025 when deputies with the Hendry County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle occupied by four individuals.
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| Machine Gun Converting Device / Justice.Gov |
During the stop, deputies located a 10mm Glock handgun fitted with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a "switch." The firearm was found in a seatback pocket directly in front of Cruz.
Federal investigators later determined the firearm contained Cruz's DNA. Prosecutors also stated that Cruz made statements acknowledging he knew the handgun had been converted into a machinegun.
Machinegun conversion devices are illegal under federal law and can allow a semi-automatic firearm to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.
Federal officials said the prosecution was part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating violent crime, transnational criminal organizations, and illegal firearms offenses.
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida
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