Seven Arrested in Firearms and Narcotics Trafficking Investigation in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
More Than 30 Guns Seized
RIVERSIDE, California – Seven defendants have been arrested and charged with multiple federal firearms- and drug-related charges following a trafficking investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Riverside County Gang Impact Team, the ATF announced today.
Those arrested allegedly were trafficking firearms and narcotics in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. During the investigation more than 30 firearms were seized including several fully-automatic guns. The majority were privately made firearms, bearing no serial numbers or identifying marks, and are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” Investigators also seized several pounds of methamphetamine. The following suspects were arrested on various federal charges including dealing in firearms without a license, possession of a machinegun, felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution of narcotics.
Damon Moore, aka “Damage,” 27, of Bellflower, was charged with engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and distribution of methamphetamine.
Between September and November 2021, a total of 14 firearms were seized from Moore, with the majority being ghost guns. The firearms seized were six 9 mm pistols; three AR-15 type pistols bearing no legitimate manufacturer markings or serial numbers; four privately made unserialized, Polymer 80, 9 mm pistols; three privately made unserialized, AR-15 type pistols; and one privately made unserialized, AR-15-type rifle.
Additionally, more than 150 grams of methamphetamine was seized from Moore.
Ruben Delafuente, aka “Trippy,” 27, of Ontario, was charged with distribution of cocaine, engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, domestic violence misdemeanant in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Between April and July 2021, the following firearms were seized from Delafuente: a 9 mm pistol; a privately made, unserialized, semi-automatic, 9 mm pistol; a privately made, unserialized, semi-automatic, AR-type rifle; and a privately made, unserialized, semi-automatic, AR-15 type rifle, with a barrel length of approximately 10 inches (qualifying it as a National Firearms Act weapon requiring registration under the Gun Control Act of 1968 since the barrel was under 26 inches).
Damien Martinez, 22, of San Bernardino, was charged with engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, possession of a machinegun, and distribution of methamphetamine.
From June 2021 to February 2022, the following firearms were seized from Martinez: three privately made, unserialized, Polymer 80, 9 mm pistols and a privately made, unserialized, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Additionally, ATF special agents found Martinez in possession of a machinegun on two separate occasions, specifically a drop-switch conversion device that was designed and intended for the purpose of converting a Glock-type pistol into a fully-automatic machinegun (also known as a “Glock switch”).
Miguel Avila, aka “Papi,” 26, of El Monte, was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He was in possession of three 9 mm pistols in September 2021.
Jose Urbina, aka “Stoner,” 35, of El Monte, was charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In May 2021, ATF agents recovered 200 grams of methamphetamine from Urbina. Additionally, he possessed a .22-caliber revolver.
Jesse Nava, aka “Stomper” 28, of La Puente, was charged with distribution of methamphetamine. ATF Agents recovered 53 grams of methamphetamine from Nava in October 2021.
Pablo Sandoval, 40, of San Bernardino, was charged with distribution of methamphetamine. ATF recovered more than 580 grams of methamphetamine from Sandoval in September 2021.
ATF is committed to working with its local partners to investigate firearms trafficking and provide resources to reduce violent crime in our communities. For more information, follow ATF LAFD on Twitter @LosAngelesATF.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
