A federal grand jury has indicted Corey Harris, 34, of Exeter, on charges of conspiracy to traffic firearms and unlawful dealing and manufacturing of firearms without a license. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that between 2021 and 2023, Harris, who was a peace officer with the California Department of Cannabis Control at the time of his arrest and previously served with the Visalia Police Department, allegedly conspired with another individual to traffic firearms. He is accused of transferring at least three firearms on separate occasions to a known felon. These included a stolen AK-style rifle, a Glock handgun, and a privately manufactured machine gun—often referred to as "ghost guns."
The documents further allege that Harris used his position as a police officer to acquire firearms and accessories not available to ordinary citizens. He reportedly manufactured or directed the manufacture of firearms such as machine guns without holding a federal firearms license.
The case results from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with support from several local law enforcement agencies including the Fresno Police Department and others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Veneman-Hughes is handling the prosecution.
If convicted on conspiracy charges related to firearm trafficking, Harris could face up to 15 years in prison along with a $250,000 fine. For unlawful dealing and manufacturing without a license, he faces up to five years in prison plus another $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be determined by the court considering statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines after conviction. It should be noted that these are allegations; Harris is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. The program focuses on fostering trust within communities while supporting organizations that work towards violence prevention.