Two men from Los Angeles County pleaded guilty to federal charges for their involvement in a scheme that utilized Instagram to sell over 60 firearms, including unregistered “ghost guns” and machine gun conversion devices known as “Glock switches.” Salvador Lopez, 24, of Whittier pleaded guilty to two counts, and Ivan Quintos, 27, of Azusa pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking.
The pair, along with two other individuals from Henderson, Nevada, were charged in May. The indictment stated that from July 2023 to May, the defendants used Instagram to coordinate and sell the illegal firearms, some of which were stolen, had obliterated serial numbers, and included Glock switches.
Mark Perez and Zachary Dry from Henderson are scheduled to plead guilty to federal charges soon. Federal prosecutors highlighted that the defendants are not licensed to sell firearms and noted that Perez and Dry were prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions.
Perez faces multiple charges, including being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a firearm with a removed or altered serial number, and possession of a machine gun. Dry faces charges of possessing a firearm as a felon.
The illegal firearm sales took place in North Hollywood, Las Vegas, and other locations, according to the indictment. Lopez’s sentencing hearing is set for January 6, while Quintos will be sentenced on February 3. This case underscores the dangers of illegal firearm sales and the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws.
Source
Photo credit www.dailynews.com