Fresno Burglar Sentenced to 56 Months for Firearms Store Heists

Fresno Man Sentenced to 56 Months for Burglarizing Two Firearms Stores

FRESNO, Calif. — Justin Ernest Breitwieser, 56, of Fresno, was sentenced to 56 months in prison and ordered to pay over $2,700 in restitution for burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2022, Breitwieser broke into firearms dealer #1 and stole six firearms, ammunition, and other items. Then, on Oct. 29, 2022, Breitwieser broke into firearms dealer #2 and stole an AR-15 upper assembly, a Glock conversion kit, and a tactical bullet proof vest.

A search of Breitwieser’s residence recovered evidence from the burglaries. Additionally, agents located two firearms and approximately 900 rounds of ammunition. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Breitwieser’s actions have serious consequences, not only for the victims of these burglaries but also for the safety of the community. His sentence serves as a reminder that those who engage in violent crime will be held accountable for their actions.

As we continue to work towards reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities, it is essential that we support law enforcement efforts and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

In this case, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have led to a just outcome. We hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar crimes.