Whittier Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Selling Ghost Guns and Planning Armed Robbery of Federal Informant

LOS ANGELES - A Whittier man was sentenced today to 121 months in federal prison for operating an unlicensed firearm dealing business that sold guns lacking serial numbers, commonly known as "ghost guns," and for planning the armed robbery of a confidential federal informant.

Salvador Lopez, 24, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who also ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Lopez pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of armed robbery of money of the United States while using 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," said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "This defendant's lengthy sentence should serve as a warning to others that law enforcement will act decisively to prevent violent gun crime."

Ivan Quintos, 27, of Azusa, another defendant charged in this case, also pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of firearms trafficking. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 14, when he will face up to 15 years in federal prison.

The two remaining defendants charged in this case - Mark Perez, 23, and Zachary Dry, 24, both of Henderson, Nevada - pleaded guilty to criminal charges in October 2024. Dry is scheduled for sentencing on February 3. Perez's sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 24.

Perez and the other defendants used Instagram to coordinate and sell more than five dozen firearms. Some of the defendants used Instagram - direct messages and public posts - to sell the firearms, which included "ghost guns" and "Glock switches" as well as firearms with obliterated serial numbers and firearms that had been stolen. The illegal firearm sales occurred in North Hollywood, Las Vegas, and elsewhere.

In total, Lopez sold or helped to sell 15 firearms to law enforcement agents and those working for them. Neither Lopez nor his codefendants are federal firearms licensees.

Later, Lopez agreed to sell firearms to a confidential informant working for federal law enforcement. Instead of following through with the transaction, Lopez messaged a minor with instructions to rob the informant at gun point. The minor and his accomplices not only robbed the informant of $5,000, but they also robbed the informant's personal cellphone and vehicle. Lopez then received a cut of the robbery's proceeds.

Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of repeat offenders engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Baldwin Park Police Department; and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney William M. Larsen of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

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