South Los Angeles man Jonathan Perez, 34, has been convicted for his involvement in a scheme to illegally sell firearms, including “ghost guns,” and unregistered firearm silencers. Perez manufactured many of the 18 ghost guns that were sold during the transactions in 2017, leading to a potential 25-year sentence in federal prison, according to the recent press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
Ghost guns, or privately made firearms, have garnered significant attention as they can be assembled without serial numbers and are not regulated by governmental authorities. These weapons ultimately evade standard gun control policies, making them an attractive option for criminals and a potential threat to the community.
According to the press release, Perez was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm silencer. These charges stemmed from Perez and his co-conspirators having sold 22 guns and three firearm silencers over the course of seven transactions to a confidential informant.
In a text message to an associate that was presented as evidence in the trial, Perez claimed he was “selling straps to the cartel.” While Perez had played a major role in manufacturing and selling the firearms, two other defendants in the case pleaded guilty in 2018 and 2021 to separate charges stemming from a related narcotics conspiracy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was responsible for the investigation of this matter, showcasing the growing concern over illegal weapons sales.
Jonathan Perez's sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 25th, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
