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Orlando, FL – February 18, 2025 – A Florida police officer has admitted to illegally dealing firearms, exposing a dangerous criminal network linked to international gun smuggling.

Michael Adrian Nieto, 31, a former St. Cloud police officer, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully dealing firearms without a license. He now faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing date remains pending.

According to federal prosecutors, between June 6, 2022, and September 4, 2024, Nieto purchased at least 58 firearms, many in identical batches. He then resold these firearms to individuals, including Ernesto Vazquez, a key figure in a criminal conspiracy that smuggled hundreds of guns to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. Investigators revealed that Nieto also exploited police databases to provide Vazquez with confidential law enforcement information, further enabling the trafficking operation.

The FBI and ATF executed a federal search warrant at Nieto’s residence on October 17, 2024, uncovering 12 remaining firearms in his possession. During an interview the same day, Nieto confessed to knowingly selling firearms to Vazquez despite being aware of their illegal distribution. He also admitted to accepting illicit items, including a machinegun conversion device, from Vazquez.

Vazquez previously pleaded guilty to firearm trafficking conspiracy and is scheduled for sentencing on March 25, 2025.

St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability, stating, “The St. Cloud Police Department has worked closely with the DOJ on this investigation. We are conducting our internal review and will immediately act against any officer who compromises public trust.”

The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Dorman is leading the prosecution.