Federal Gun Dealer Sentenced to 10+ Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Sales and Armed Robbery
A 24-year-old man from Los Angeles County, Salvador Lopez, was sentenced to 121 months (approximately 10 years) in federal prison for his role in the armed robbery of a confidential informant and the operation of an unlicensed firearm dealing business.
Illegal Firearm Sales
Prosecutors said that Lopez, a resident of Whittier, helped sell at least 15 illegal firearms, some of which were "ghost guns" lacking serial numbers, to federal agents and their informants. He used social media platforms, specifically Instagram, to coordinate and facilitate these illegal sales.
Armed Robbery
At one point, Lopez agreed to sell a firearm to a confidential federal informant, but instead of following through, he messaged a minor with instructions to rob the informant. The minor and his accomplices robbed the informant of $5,000, as well as the informant’s personal cellphone and vehicle. Lopez received a cut of the robbery’s proceeds.
Co-defendants Plead Guilty
Lopez, along with three other co-defendants, Ivan Quintos, Mark Perez, and Zachary Dry, pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in October 2024. The foursome used social media to coordinate and sell over 70 guns, including ghost guns and "Glock switches," which can enable a semiautomatic handgun to fire fully automatic.
Sentencing
Lopez was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, with an additional $2,000 in restitution. Quintos, Dry, and Perez are set to be sentenced in February, March, and April, respectively.
Reaction from the United States Attorney
"Selling firearms illegally and putting more untraceable weapons into the community shows a blatant disregard for the law and puts the safety of our citizens at great risk," said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "This defendant’s lengthy sentence should serve as a warning to others that law enforcement will act decisively to prevent violent gun crime."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Salvador Lopez’s role in the illegal firearm sales?
A: Lopez helped sell at least 15 illegal firearms, some of which were "ghost guns" lacking serial numbers, to federal agents and their informants.
Q: What was the nature of the armed robbery committed by Lopez and his accomplices?
A: Lopez and his accomplices robbed a confidential federal informant of $5,000, as well as the informant’s personal cellphone and vehicle.
Q: What is the sentence given to Lopez?
A: Lopez was sentenced to 121 months (approximately 10 years) in federal prison, with an additional $2,000 in restitution.
