Jonathan Manuel Flores has been sentenced to 135 months in prison for his involvement in an illegal firearms operation and the robbery of an undercover ATF Special Agent. The incident occurred during an attempt to sell a modified Glock pistol to the agent, which escalated to a robbery at gunpoint.
The ATF had been investigating the trafficking of privately manufactured firearms, known as “ghost guns,” and firearms modified with illegal auto conversion devices, which can transform regular guns into machine guns. During an undercover operation on February 17, 2023, in San Diego, agents arranged to purchase the modified Glock pistol from Flores for $2,400.
The operation took place in a Walmart parking lot on Murphy Canyon Road, where Flores requested the transaction occur in the backseat of his car. The agent complied and entered the vehicle, where two other individuals were also present. Flores showed the agent a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device.
After the agent counted $2,000 in cash, Flores made the firearm ready to shoot and threatened the agent, demanding he leave the car while seizing the cash. The agent exited the vehicle, and Flores fled with his associates. He was later captured with the assistance of the San Diego Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon remarked, “This robbery is a stark reminder of the extreme danger our agents face every day in their efforts to keep illegal firearms off our streets.” ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper emphasized the agency's mission, stating, “ATF’s core mission is to protect the public by investigating and apprehending the most violent offenders in our communities.” He expressed gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local police departments for their collaboration in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evangeline Dech and Alicia Williams are prosecuting the case. Flores, aged 20 from Chula Vista, CA, faced several charges, including assault on a federal officer and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was also charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. These charges carry a range of potential penalties, including up to twenty years in prison and large fines.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. This initiative aims to reduce gun violence and combat violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.