LOS ANGELES, CA – Jonathan Perez, 34, was convicted today for his role in illegally selling 22 firearms and three silencers.
Perez was found guilty of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing an unregistered firearm silencer. Evidence presented during the three-day bench trial revealed that Perez and his co-conspirators sold the weapons and silencers to a confidential informant during seven transactions. A text message introduced as evidence showed Perez stating he was “selling straps to the cartel.” Many of the 18 “ghost guns” sold in 2017 were personally manufactured by Perez.
United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt set the sentencing hearing for January 25. Perez faces a maximum of 25 years in federal prison for his conviction on the three counts.
Two other defendants previously pleaded guilty in 2018 and 2021 to charges related to a narcotics conspiracy connected to this case.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Declan T. Conroy and Maria Jhai.
