Tucson Gun Dealer Peddled Illegal Hardware

Tucson, AZ – Brian Jesus Hernandez, 24, is cooling his heels in a federal detention center after a multi-agency investigation revealed he was running an illegal firearms operation out of his home. The feds allege Hernandez used Snapchat to hawk untraceable weapons, including a fully automatic 9mm pistol and components to turn ordinary rifles into machine guns.

The bust went down after an undercover Tucson Police detective purchased a ‘ghost gun’ – a 9mm pistol with no serial number – from Hernandez on November 17, 2022. This wasn’t a one-off; an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) later bought a “drop-in auto sear” from Hernandez on February 6, 2023. This device, capable of converting a standard AR-15 into a fully automatic weapon, was reportedly 3D-printed by Hernandez himself, who even provided instructions on its use.

According to court documents, Hernandez wasn’t just selling finished products. He openly demonstrated how to create the auto sear using a 3D printer, essentially providing a blueprint for turning legal firearms into illegal ones. This willingness to share manufacturing knowledge is what caught the attention of both local and federal investigators. The ATF and FBI quickly joined forces with the Tucson Police Department to build a case.

A subsequent search warrant executed at Hernandez’s residence turned up a veritable gunsmithing workshop. Agents seized two 3D printers, four firearms, and a stockpile of assorted firearm parts. These items are currently undergoing forensic analysis to determine their origin and potential connection to other illegal activities. Investigators believe Hernandez was actively involved in supplying firearms to individuals who couldn’t legally purchase them.

Federal prosecutors are building a case against Hernandez on charges of dealing firearms without a license and possessing firearms with altered or removed serial numbers. These charges carry significant penalties, including years in federal prison. The investigation is ongoing, and the feds haven’t ruled out the possibility of additional charges or co-conspirators. The case highlights the growing threat of 3D-printed firearms and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and regulating these untraceable weapons.

The feds are tight-lipped about the specifics of the Snapchat operation, but sources say Hernandez was actively advertising firearms and arranging sales through the platform. This case serves as a stark reminder that the dark web and social media are increasingly being used to facilitate illegal arms trafficking. The investigation remains active, and anyone with information regarding Hernandez’s activities is urged to contact the ATF or the Tucson Police Department.