Related Federal Cases
- AG James vs. Fed’s Illegal Guard Deployment · Pennsylvania
- James Ousts Illegal Trump Tariffs in Legal Victory · New Mexico
- Attorney General James Triumphs in Suit Against Trump Admin Over Illegal Medical Research Funding Cuts · New Jersey
- James Blocks President’s Illegal Vote Grab · Illinois
- James Slams Trump for Illegal Guard Deployment · North Carolina
Tucson Gun Runner Hernandez Busted for Illegal Sales
TUCSON, Ariz. – Brian Jesus Hernandez, 24, of Tucson, is facing federal charges after allegedly running an illegal firearms operation out of his home. Hernandez was arrested Monday and charged with Dealing Firearms Without a License and Possessing Firearms Not Identified by a Serial Number. The case, a joint effort between multiple federal and local agencies, reveals a disturbing trend of untraceable weapons flooding the streets.
The investigation began when Tucson Police detectives uncovered Hernandez’s brazen use of Snapchat to advertise and sell firearms. It wasn’t just standard sales, either. On November 17, 2022, Hernandez allegedly sold an undercover detective a fully automatic 9mm pistol – a ghost gun with no serial number, making it virtually untraceable. This immediately flagged Hernandez as a serious threat and escalated the investigation.
The operation widened to include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On February 6, 2023, Hernandez allegedly sold an undercover ATF agent a “drop-in auto sear” – a dangerous device that converts a semiautomatic AR-15 style assault rifle into a fully automatic weapon. Hernandez reportedly boasted about manufacturing the device himself using a 3D printer, even showing the agent a tutorial video on its use. This wasn’t just about selling a weapon; it was about enabling the creation of illegal, highly dangerous firearms.
Following the sale, agents executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence. The search yielded a disturbing workshop: two 3D printers, four firearms, and a collection of various firearms parts. Hernandez was taken into custody at the scene. The discovery highlights the growing threat of 3D-printed weapons and the ease with which individuals can bypass traditional gun control measures.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, ATF, and Tucson Police Department collaborated on the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is prosecuting the case. Case number MJ-23-05662-BGM has been assigned. The arrest of Hernandez underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to combat illegal gun trafficking and keep dangerous weapons off the streets.
This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the proliferation of untraceable firearms. Release number 2023-019_Hernandez is associated with this case. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News