On November 8, 2010, Agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested four U.S. Marines for allegedly selling rifles and assault weapons to members of Los Angeles street gangs. According to Federal and state authorities, the investigation has been going on for several weeks and it involves allegations that the Marines sold guns to gang members operating in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
Law Enforcement sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said officials plan to release more details about the case soon. The arrests come several days after federal agents served search warrants at a home in San Clemente, California At the time, officers declined to say what the search warrants were about. A San Clemente Times photographer, took several photos showing boxes of weapons apparently seized from the house by agents, including large military-style weapons.
As of yet it's not known how many weapons were involved, or where the Marines were stationed. Officials did not immediately identify which gang purchased the weapons or how many gangs may have been involved.
Those arrested include Jose Smith Pacheco, 31, of Montebello, and Miguel A. Ortiz, 49, of Northridge, both former Marines. Also arrested were Edwin Cano, 33, of Northridge, and Christopher John Thomas, 32, of Van Nuys. The four, are charged with five counts each of having unlawful assault weapons, including four AK-47 assault rifles and an AR-15 assault weapon. Cano faces three additional counts, including two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.
