Ryan Scott Bradford, Drug and Ammunition Offenses, California 2023

FBI Arrests Local Man Linked to Violent White Supremacist Group on Drug and Ammunition Charges

A 34-year-old Reseda man associated with a racially motivated violent extremist group is expected to appear in federal court today after being charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Ryan Scott Bradford was arrested at his residence Thursday and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon at United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

As alleged in the complaint, between 2021 and January 2023, Bradford posted online messages and photographs documenting his use of a 3-D printer to manufacture firearms, as well as calling for the mass murder of Jews. During a search of Bradford’s residence yesterday, agents and officers with the FBI, the DEA, and the LAPD recovered 116 rounds of ammunition, which Bradford is prohibited from possessing due to a 2012 burglary conviction.

The recovery also included firearms parts, including two 3-D printed auto sears and five “switches,” both of which are used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic firearms; two 3-D printers, one of which had swastikas painted on it; various Nazi propaganda; and an apparent improvised explosive device (IED). Following the discovery of the apparent IED yesterday morning, law enforcement temporarily shut down streets in the vicinity of Bradford’s residence.

“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,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The potential danger to the community cannot be overstated. We will continue to investigate this matter to ensure that this defendant is held accountable for his crimes, and to keep our community safe from acts of violence motivated by racist and hateful ideology.”

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Bradford used an Amazon account with the username “Peck Erwood” with a woodpecker avatar. The woodpecker is a logo used by the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, a racially motivated violent extremist group based in Los Angeles County. The Peckerwoods originated in the California state prison system and its members have engaged in racially motivated violence, drug and illegal firearms trafficking, and fraud, according to the affidavit.

As alleged in the complaint, Bradford – using online usernames referencing the Peckerwoods – used messaging applications such as Telegram to post racist remarks against Jewish people, including calling for mass murder and genocide of Jews. Yesterday, law enforcement recovered from Bradford’s residence a calendar with a handwritten note stating: “New Year’s Resolution: Take over the world – save Aryan race *Bake every single Jew.*”

The defendant is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing. The exact date of Bradford’s next court appearance is not yet known. The Los Angeles Police Department, the FBI, and the DEA are continuing to investigate the case.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Brandon Davide Wilkerson, Unlawful User of Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm, Missouri 2017

Nov 7, 2017

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Maurice Tinsley, Violating Federal Firearms and Drug Laws, Pennsylvania 2018

Dec 6, 2018

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

David Tran, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Louisiana 2024

Oct 2, 2019

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Andrew Rex Allenby, Meth Trafficking and Illegal Firearm, Montana 2020

Jun 3, 2022