David Maldonado pleaded guilty on Apr. 2 to possessing a machine gun connected to a daytime shooting that took place on November 14, 2025, in the Bronx. The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
The case highlights concerns about illegal firearms and public safety in New York City neighborhoods. Authorities say that incidents involving machine guns pose significant risks to community members and can lead to increased violence.
According to the indictment and statements made during court proceedings, Maldonado fired twelve rounds from a machine gun at approximately 4:00 p.m. near East 170th Street and Third Avenue in the Bronx. Two shots struck a nearby vehicle. Police detectives who were close by responded quickly and apprehended Maldonado, who was found with an un-serialized Polymer 80 model PF940C handgun—commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”—equipped with an illegal conversion device that allowed it to fire automatically.
Maldonado has previous felony convictions and now faces up to ten years in prison for one count of possession of a machine gun.
Jay Clayton said, “The illegal possession of a machine gun is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The families of New York City deserve to live free of fear from the type of gun violence these weapons can unleash. The women and men of this Office will never tire in their efforts to root out and hold accountable those who would bring this type of violence to our communities.”
Clayton also praised the work done by detectives from the New York City Police Department as well as agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives during this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper with support from the Office’s Violent Organizations & Crime Unit.
