CALIFORNIA VVNG.com — Three men, including 37-year-old Manuel Ivan Sanchez from Helendale, have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly trafficking firearms from Utah to California. Sanchez, along with 45-year-old Ricardo Amezcua of South Gate and 35-year-old Fernando Nava of Hemet, is facing conspiracy charges for purchasing over 120 firearms without the necessary dealer’s license.
The trio is accused of making frequent trips to Utah, misrepresenting their residency to licensed dealers to bypass California’s strict firearm purchase regulations. According to a federal complaint, from November 2022 to July 2024, they purchased a variety of firearms, including pistols and semiautomatic rifles, using fake Utah identification cards.
Sanchez reportedly acquired approximately 81 firearms through an informal online gun exchange, negotiating deals via text message and meeting sellers in person. After purchasing the firearms, he advertised them for sale at increased prices.
The investigation revealed that all three men lacked the required firearms dealer licenses during their operations. Collectively, they are believed to have purchased 123 firearms—42 from licensed Utah dealers and 81 through 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.