Man accused of planning mosque shooting convicted on firearms charge Bernandino Bolatete could face up to 10 years for possession of silencer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man accused of plotting a mass shooting at a Jacksonville mosque was convicted Friday on a federal weapons charge.
Bernandino Bolatete, 69, was arrested in December after investigators said he bought a firearm silencer from an undercover agent. His lawyers argued that contend the law that prohibits possession of a silencer without a registration is unconstitutional.
Police raided Bolatete's home in East Arlington and seized a stockpile of 11 guns and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition , prosecutors said. A judge found he poses “an extreme risk to the community” based on his own statements and possession of multiple firearms.
During the trial, prosecutors planned to play a recording made by the undercover agent who "sold" Bolatete the silencer.
Bolatete is scheduled to be sentenced July 25. He could face up to 10 years in prison.
Copyright 2018 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Georgia church becomes base camp for firefighters battling Brantley County wildfire Play Video ▶ 0:36
Georgia church becomes base camp for firefighters battling Brantley County wildfire Play Video
Volunteers rally to evacuate nearly 200 animals from Brantley wildfire ▶ 1:44
Volunteers rally to evacuate nearly 200 animals from Brantley wildfire
Stella Jones Varsity 4 Girls Soccer Player of the Year ▶ 1:06
Stella Jones Varsity 4 Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Witness shares video of St. Johns County investigation that shut down all lanes on I-95 ▶ 0:43
Witness shares video of St. Johns County investigation that shut down all lanes on I-95
Meet our April Positively JAX winner: Chris Shee, founder of MasterCraft Builder Group 🌟🏠 ▶ 1:09
Meet our April Positively JAX winner: Chris Shee, founder of MasterCraft Builder Group 🌟🏠
Brantley County shifts to recovery, but wildfire danger not over yet, officials warn ▶ 1:15
Brantley County shifts to recovery, but wildfire danger not over yet, officials warn
Kailani Barrientos is the Varsity 4 All-News4JAX Girls Wrestler of the Year ▶ 0:50
Kailani Barrientos is the Varsity 4 All-News4JAX Girls Wrestler of the Year
Coach Drafts and the Nease Panthers are fired up for spring ball 🏈 🔥 👀 ▶ 1:47
Coach Drafts and the Nease Panthers are fired up for spring ball 🏈 🔥 👀
Some Brantley County residents return home relieved but emotionally drained ▶ 0:50
Some Brantley County residents return home relieved but emotionally drained
3 a.m. alcohol sales expanding to Brooklyn after council vote ▶ 0:26
3 a.m. alcohol sales expanding to Brooklyn after council vote
Brantley County residents still able to return home though hot spots are still along Highway 110 ▶ 0:39
Brantley County residents still able to return home though hot spots are still along Highway 110
It's Harvest Day. Five new microgreens and a familiar favorite. ▶ 4:57
It's Harvest Day. Five new microgreens and a familiar favorite.
FEMA says rumors that it stopped aid, pulled firefighters from Georgia wildfires are false ▶ 0:48
FEMA says rumors that it stopped aid, pulled firefighters from Georgia wildfires are false
What to know if you need help or want to donate to wildfire victims ▶ 1:05
What to know if you need help or want to donate to wildfire victims
Residents not sure what they will find as Brantley County re-entry begins ▶ 1:04
Residents not sure what they will find as Brantley County re-entry begins
Brantley County adjusting some road closures, evacuations as containment of Highway 82 fire lags ▶ 1:25
Brantley County adjusting some road closures, evacuations as containment of Highway 82 fire lags
Former Jacksonville youth pastor arrested on sexual battery charges, accused of grooming girl ▶ 2:08
Former Jacksonville youth pastor arrested on sexual battery charges, accused of grooming girl
Bryce Fiore is your Varsity 4 Wrestler of the Year ▶ 0:52
Bryce Fiore is your Varsity 4 Wrestler of the Year
Raines Vikings Spring Football ▶ 1:08
Raines Vikings Spring Football
Some homes in Brantley County were reduced to ashes, but families say they still have each other ▶ 0:30
Some homes in Brantley County were reduced to ashes, but families say they still have each other
Red Cross volunteers at Seldon Park help those affected by wildfires ▶ 1:11
Red Cross volunteers at Seldon Park help those affected by wildfires
Battle to save homes continues as Highway 82 Fire now over 20K acres ▶ 0:56
Battle to save homes continues as Highway 82 Fire now over 20K acres
Wildfire evacuees seek help at American Red Cross shelter in Brunswick ▶ 1:01
Wildfire evacuees seek help at American Red Cross shelter in Brunswick
Brantley County Family Connection, UGA Extension help fire victims ▶ 0:35
Brantley County Family Connection, UGA Extension help fire victims
About 20,000 acres burned by Brantley County Highway 82 wildfire ▶ 0:35
About 20,000 acres burned by Brantley County Highway 82 wildfire
Previous photo Next photo
