A Whittier man, Salvador Lopez, has been sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for selling untraceable firearms and planning an armed robbery. The sentencing took place in Los Angeles where United States District Judge Percy Anderson also ordered Lopez to pay $2,000 in restitution.
Lopez, aged 24, pleaded guilty last October to charges of dealing firearms without a license and committing armed robbery with a dangerous weapon. "Selling firearms illegally and putting more untraceable weapons into the community shows a blatant disregard for the law and puts the safety of our citizens at great risk," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. He added that Lopez's sentence should serve as a warning against violent gun crime.
Ivan Quintos from Azusa is another defendant involved in this case. He also pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking last October and faces up to 15 years in prison with his sentencing scheduled for April 14.
Two other defendants, Mark Perez and Zachary Dry from Henderson, Nevada, have pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to this case. Their sentencing hearings are set for February 3 and March 24 respectively.
The group used Instagram to coordinate sales of over five dozen firearms including "ghost guns" and stolen items across North Hollywood, Las Vegas, and other locations. In total, Lopez sold or assisted in selling 15 firearms without possessing a federal firearm license.
In addition to these activities, Lopez conspired with others to rob a confidential informant working with federal law enforcement instead of completing an agreed firearm sale. This resulted in the theft of $5,000 along with personal belongings from the informant.
Operation Safe Cities focuses on prosecuting significant drivers of violent crime by targeting illicit gun crimes and robbery crews affecting public safety. The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Baldwin Park Police Department; and Los Angeles Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney William M. Larsen handled the prosecution of this case.