CALIFORNIA (VVNG.com) — Three men have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly trafficking firearms from Utah to California. Among them is 37-year-old Manuel Ivan Sanchez from Helendale.
Sanchez, along with 45-year-old Ricardo Amezcua of South Gate and 35-year-old Fernando Nava of Hemet, faces conspiracy charges for purchasing over 120 firearms without the necessary dealer’s license.
The men are accused of making frequent trips to Utah to buy guns, where they misrepresented their residency to licensed dealers.
According to the federal complaint, from November 2022 to July 2024, the defendants purchased various firearms, including pistols and semiautomatic rifles, using fake Utah identification cards to bypass regulations that prevent California residents from buying firearms from Utah dealers.
Sanchez allegedly bought approximately 81 firearms through an informal online gun exchange based in Utah during a portion of this timeframe. He is reported to have negotiated deals via text message and met sellers in person to finalize purchases. Following these acquisitions, Sanchez advertised the firearms for sale at increased prices.
The investigation reveals that all three men lacked the required firearms dealer license throughout their activities. Collectively, they are believed to have purchased 123 firearms—42 from licensed Utah dealers and 81 from online transactions.
If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives involved in the ongoing investigation.
It is important to note that a complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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