Two Union County men are now facing over 10 years in federal prison following a coordinated investigation by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

The investigation began in late 2023 when law enforcement discovered that Christopher Murrtia Diaz and Gustavo Vergara Avalos were distributing cocaine and illegally trafficking firearm conversion devices, commonly known as “Glock switches.” These devices are designed to convert handguns into fully automatic weapons and pose a serious risk to public safety.

Both Diaz and Avalos pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges and were sentenced to 130 months in prison. The case led to the seizure of 10 firearms, 26 Glock switches, a machine gun, and additional cocaine.

This case highlights the strength of local and federal collaboration and reinforces our shared commitment to protecting our communities. Sheriff Eddie Cathey commends the outstanding work of UCSO investigators, ATF agents, and federal prosecutors in securing these convictions and removing these dangerous individuals from our streets.