Two L.A. County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Scheme to Sell Firearms on Instagram
Background
Two Los Angeles County men, Salvador Lopez, 24, of Whittier, and Ivan Quintos, 27, of Azusa, have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a scheme that used Instagram to sell over 60 firearms, including unregistered "ghost guns" and machine gun conversion devices known as "Glock switches."
Charges and Sentencing
Lopez entered his plea to two counts: engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and aggravated robbery of money of the United States, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Quintos pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking. Lopez’s sentencing hearing is set for January 6, while Quintos is expected to be sentenced on February 3.
The Scheme
The scheme, which began in July 2023 and continued until May, involved the use of Instagram to coordinate and sell over five dozen firearms. The weapons, some of which were stolen, included ghost guns and Glock switches as well as firearms with obliterated serial numbers, according to court papers.
Those Involved
The scheme also involved Mark Perez, 22, and Zachary Dry, 23, both of Henderson, Nevada. Perez and Dry were charged in May, and Perez is scheduled to plead guilty to federal charges on Friday, while Dry will enter his plea on Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles.
Illegal Sales
The illegal firearm sales took place in North Hollywood, Las Vegas, and elsewhere, according to the indictment. Federal prosecutors said Perez, Quintos, Lopez, and Dry are not federal firearms licensees and are not allowed to sell firearms. The indictment also states that Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his 2021 misdemeanor conviction in Nevada for domestic violence, and that Dry is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for assault and battery in Nevada last year.
Charges and Penalties
Perez is charged with multiple counts, including four counts of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition, one count of possessing a firearm with a removed or altered serial number, and one count of possession of a machine gun. Dry was also charged with possessing a firearm as a felon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Conclusion
The guilty pleas of Lopez and Quintos bring an end to a significant gun trafficking scheme that was facilitated by the use of social media platforms. The illegal sale of firearms is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for public safety and national security. The prosecution of these individuals serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the charges against the defendants?
A: Lopez was charged with engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and aggravated robbery of money of the United States, while Quintos was charged with firearms trafficking.
Q: What is the purpose of the Instagram scheme?
A: The scheme was used to sell over 60 firearms, including ghost guns and machine gun conversion devices, to individuals who were not federally licensed to sell firearms.
Q: What are the potential penalties for the defendants?
A: The defendants face potential penalties, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the outcome of their sentencing hearings.
Q: How common is gun trafficking?
A: Gun trafficking is a significant problem in the United States, with many illegal firearms being sold through illegal means, including social media platforms and other online marketplaces.
