9 South Bay Residents, Firearms Trafficking, California 2021

South Bay residents face federal firearms charges in relation to a massive crackdown on illegal firearms trafficking and possession. The operation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), involved close coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the California Highway Patrol, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the Salinas Police Department, and the Watsonville Police Department.

The operation, which took place between February 2020 and September 2021, resulted in the seizure of over 80 firearms, including privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns” and conversion devices that enable firearms to function as fully automatic weapons.

Criminal complaints were filed against the nine federal defendants on November 2, 2021. The complaints are supported by five separate affidavits that describe the alleged crimes, including the dates that the defendants unlawfully possessed and sold guns, as well as the types of guns that were sold.

According to the affidavits, between February 2020 and September 2021, ATF, utilizing undercover methods, purchased from the nine federal defendants a total of at least 35 firearms (including machine guns), numerous rounds of ammunition, and quantities of methamphetamine.

The sales occurred in various locations in Salinas and Watsonville, including the parking lots of local businesses and the defendants’ residences. In addition, at least 50 firearms were seized in connection with the arrests of the defendants on November 4.

“This operation has removed over 80 firearms from the street, including privately made firearms also known as a “ghost guns” and conversion devices that enable firearms to function as fully automatic weapons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “Operations such as this one target the pipeline of firearms to the street. By reducing the availability of illegal firearms, we take an important step toward reducing violent crime.”

The defendants, whose names are not publicly available, are currently facing federal firearms charges. Their exact criminal charges, sentence, or outcome are not available at this time.

The operation reflects the continued efforts of federal and state law enforcement to work jointly to combat violent crime in South Bay counties by targeting the illegal sale of firearms and the illicit possession of firearms.

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