SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Joseph Anthony Jimenez, 20, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison after firing a stolen 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on August 17, 2024, prompting a military response, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas confirming the sentence following his guilty plea to possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm on December 3, 2025.
Jimenez Fired Stolen 9mm Equipped With Glock Switch Near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
According to court documents, Jimenez fired a stolen 9mm pistol near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on August 17, 2024. The weapon had been fitted with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a Glock switch, which enables a standard firearm to function as a fully automatic weapon.
Under federal law, any firearm equipped with such a device is classified as a machine gun, significantly elevating the legal severity of possessing and discharging the weapon. The incident near an active Air Force installation prompted a military response, drawing immediate attention from both local and federal authorities.
Weapon Discharged on Two Separate Occasions That Day
Prosecutors established that Jimenez did not fire the weapon just once. According to court filings, he discharged the modified pistol on two separate occasions on the same day near the Air Force base.
Jimenez later admitted to accidentally shooting a friend during one of those discharges. Following the incidents, he threw the modified handgun over the perimeter fence of a nearby apartment complex in an apparent attempt to dispose of the weapon before authorities could connect him to it.
Arrested on State Warrant in August 2024 Then Federally Indicted in November
Law enforcement moved quickly following the August 17 incident. Jimenez was arrested on a state warrant on August 29, 2024, just under two weeks after the shooting near the base.
The case was subsequently elevated to the federal level. He was federally indicted on November 6, 2024, and transferred into federal custody on November 21, 2024. The charges he faced at the federal level reflected the serious nature of the weapon involved and the location where it was discharged.
Jimenez Pleaded Guilty to Both Charges and Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison
On December 3, 2025, Jimenez pleaded guilty to both charges brought against him — possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas confirmed the sentence of 40 months in federal prison following the guilty plea.
The sentencing brings a formal close to a case that began with a brazen discharge of an illegally modified weapon near one of the country’s active military installations, underscoring the serious federal consequences tied to the possession and use of machine gun conversion devices. Stay with GordonRamsayClub.com for the latest news updates and detailed coverage.
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