A 34-year-old man named Jonathan Perez, from South L.A. was found guilty in late September 2023 of participating in a conspiracy to sell firearms illegally. As of now, the court determined that Perez and his co-conspirators had illegally sold 22 guns and three silencers. He is facing the statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.

Ghost Gun Conspiracy Scheme

Perez and his two co-conspirators were arrested after being caught selling 18 “ghost guns” to an informant in 2017. However, the other defendants in this case pleaded guilty to charges from a separate narcotics conspiracy in 2018 and 2021. In August of 2023, there was a three-day bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge John A. Kronstadt, where 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 firearms without a license, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm silencer.

What Are Ghost Guns?

“Ghost guns” are homemade firearms that are created by assembling pieces from different firearms that are sold in kits or separately. When put together, they create a functional firearm that is unserialized and, thus, untraceable. While in California, ghost guns are not exactly illegal to own, as long as the owner registers the gun with the California Department of Justice (CDOJ), they are illegal to sell.

To register a ghost gun with the CDOJ, the owner must be at least 21 years old, have a firearms safety certificate, pass a firearms eligibility background screening, and provide the CDJOK with a description of the gun they plan to assemble.

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help

Being accused of selling illegal firearms – or ghost guns – is a serious accusation that should be met with a solid and strategic defense. At Sigal Law Group, Attorney Vitaly Sigal is an experienced and highly skilled criminal defense attorney who knows how to handle difficult charges such as these. He will work tirelessly to ensure you are protected. Call 818-325-0571 today or schedule a free consultation online.