In a recent federal criminal complaint, a man from Reseda, California, with ties to a violent white supremacist group has been charged with drug and ammunition offenses. The accused individual, Ryan Scott Bradford, 34, was arrested at his residence after being accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Law enforcement officers recovered various incriminating items during a search of Bradford’s residence, including firearms parts, Nazi propaganda, and an apparent improvised explosive device. The charges against Bradford reflect the potential danger posed to the community and the need to hold individuals accountable for crimes motivated by racism and hate.
Title: Reseda Man Charged in Federal Criminal Complaint with Drug and Ammunition Offenses
Background Information
Reseda, California – A Reseda man affiliated with a violent white supremacist group has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with drug and ammunition offenses. The suspect, Ryan Scott Bradford, 34, was arrested at his residence in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday. He is expected to make his initial appearance at United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles later today.
Affiliation with Violent White Supremacist Group
According to the criminal complaint, Bradford is associated with a racially motivated violent extremist group called the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods. This group, which originated in the California state prison system, has a history of engaging in racially motivated violence, drug and illegal firearms trafficking, and fraud. The investigation revealed that Bradford used an Amazon account with the username “Peck Erwood” and a woodpecker avatar, which is a logo used by the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods.
Arrest and Expected Court Appearance
Bradford was arrested at his residence on Thursday by agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, and LAPD. He is expected to make his initial court appearance this afternoon at United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Alleged Activities and Evidence
The criminal complaint alleges that between 2021 and January 2023, Bradford posted online messages and photographs documenting his use of a 3-D printer to manufacture firearms. He also made racist remarks and calls for violence against Jews, including advocating for mass murder and genocide. During the search of Bradford’s residence, law enforcement recovered 116 rounds of ammunition, firearms parts, including two 3D printed auto sears and five “switches” used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic firearms, two 3D printers with swastikas painted on one of them, Nazi propaganda, and an apparent improvised explosive device (IED).
Law Enforcement Response and Temporary Street Closure
Following the discovery of the apparent IED, law enforcement temporarily shut down streets in the vicinity of Bradford’s residence to ensure public safety.
Official Statements
- United States Attorney Martin Estrada: “As alleged, this convicted felon affiliated with a violent white supremacist group who espouses horrific acts of violence against Jews appears to be manufacturing firearms and possessing an improvised explosive device. The potential danger to the community cannot be overstated.”
- Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office Donald Alway: “Hateful rhetoric that crosses the line into violence will get the attention of law enforcement, and those who engage in such extremism will be held accountable should they act upon their violent rhetoric.”
- DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner: “Dangerous individuals that conspire to distribute synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, are driving addiction and death in our communities.”
- Los Angeles Police Chief Michel R. Moore: “The LAPD values the ongoing partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney in the pursuit of disrupting gun trafficking and the devastating impact these firearms have in our communities.”
Affidavit Details
The affidavit filed with the complaint reveals several important details about the case:
- Bradford used an Amazon account with the username “Peck Erwood” associated with the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods.
- Bradford made racist remarks and calls for violence against Jews using messaging applications such as Telegram.
- Agents recovered a calendar from Bradford’s residence with a handwritten note stating: “New Year’s Resolution: Take over the world – save Aryan race Bake every single Jew.“
- Bradford posted links and instruction manuals on Telegram concerning hand grenades, biological warfare, and the “Aryan Revolution.”
- Bradford sent text messages to coordinate the distribution of methamphetamine and sent photographs of methamphetamine to a buyer.
Involvement in Distributing Methamphetamine
The affidavit further alleges that Bradford conspired with Kris Dean Drakakis, another member of the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, to distribute methamphetamine. Drakakis has already been indicted on charges related to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently in federal custody.
Legal Proceedings
Bradford is charged in a criminal complaint, and it is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of the charges, Bradford could face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the drug conspiracy charge and up to 15 years in federal prison for the ammunition possession charge.
Investigation Details
Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Los Angeles Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Reema El-Amamy of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.
Related Content
- Press Release: Temecula Man Charged with Multiple Narcotics Crimes, Including Distributing Fentanyl to Teenager Who Suffered Fatal Overdose
- Press Release: Ventura Man on Parole After Manslaughter Conviction Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition
- Press Release: Fountain Valley Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murdering Man Who Was Shot on Boat and Dumped into Ocean
Contact Information
For more information about the case, please contact:
Ciaran McEvoy
Public Information Officer
ciaran.mcevoy@usdoj.gov
Phone: (213) 894-4465
For all general inquiries, please contact the Central District of California:
Phone: 213-894-2400
Fax: 213-894-0141
For additional information and updates, please visit the official website and social media channels:
- YouTube
Conclusion
The arrest and charges against Ryan Scott Bradford, a Reseda man affiliated with a violent white supremacist group, highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat domestic extremism and ensure the safety of our communities. The investigation, led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the DEA, and the LAPD, highlights the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in addressing threats posed by individuals involved in drug trafficking and racially motivated violence. The legal proceedings will determine Bradford’s guilt or innocence, and if convicted, he could face significant prison sentences. The community can rest assured knowing that law enforcement remains vigilant in combating extremist ideologies and protecting public safety.