Amarillo Duo Sentenced for Vehicle Firearm Thefts
Two men received federal prison terms following a series of vehicle burglaries involving stolen firearms in Amarillo.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Property Crime
A federal court has sentenced two men to prison for their roles in a spree of vehicle burglaries in Amarillo that resulted in the theft of firearms. One of the recovered weapons had been modified with a device to allow semiautomatic fire.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe federal consequences for firearm-related property crimes, particularly when weapons are modified or stolen for potential use in illicit activities.
Austin Lee Dykgraaf received a sentence of 11 years and 3 months, while Zaneth Lane Montgomery was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months. A third suspect, Erminio Jesus Lujan, awaits his sentencing hearing.
The players
Austin Lee Dykgraaf
He is a convicted participant in the Amarillo vehicle burglary ring who received over a decade in prison.
Zaneth Lane Montgomery
He is a convicted member of the firearm theft group sentenced to nearly five years in federal custody.
Erminio Jesus Lujan
He is the third individual identified in the federal case who is awaiting a final sentencing date in 2026.
The details
The suspects targeted vehicles in the Amarillo area to steal firearms, including at least one weapon fitted with an illegal machine gun conversion device. The investigation led to federal charges against all three individuals involved in the criminal ring.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Scheduled sentencing for Erminio Jesus Lujan.
Legal Context
The prosecution of these crimes aligns with heightened federal enforcement regarding the possession and conversion of semiautomatic firearms. These sentences reflect broader judicial efforts to curb gun-related property crime through strict federal sentencing guidelines.
Residents in the area should remain aware of vehicle security, as authorities continue to target rings specifically hunting for firearms stored in cars. This case underscores the importance of not leaving unsecured weapons in parked vehicles.
The takeaway
These sentences serve as a reminder that the theft of firearms often carries significantly harsher federal penalties than standard property crimes. Owners are encouraged to utilize secure, bolted-in gun safes if they must store weapons inside a vehicle.
What happens next
Erminio Jesus Lujan is scheduled to appear in federal court for sentencing on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat theft in Amarillo Property Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KVII.
