California Man Pleads Guilty to Online Firearms and Drug Sales In N.J.

NEWARK, N.J. – Angelo Chavez, a 23-year-old resident of Manteca, California, admitted to conspiring to unlawfully sell firearms and methamphetamine over the internet.

 The announcement was done by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger on Tuesday.

Chavez pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi.

From August 2020 to December 2021, undercover agents communicated with Chavez and his associates via social media, leading to the purchase of 13 firearms, including six AR-15s, and methamphetamine.

Payments were made primarily in cryptocurrency, with shipments sent from California to New Jersey. Chavez faces potential prison time and fines, with sentencing set for December 21.