San Francisco Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from Wikimedia user Don Sleeter
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division. Representing one of the twenty-five ATF Field Divisions in the United States, our geographic area of responsibility encompasses Northern California, from the Oregon border to Bakersfield, and the State of Nevada. Our dedicated workforce is comprised of special agents, investigators, forensic auditors, technicians, support staff and contract workers.
ATF is a Federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice that is committed to reducing violent crime in our communities. Our close relationships with our State and local law partners include collaborative efforts with police, sheriff and fire investigators, homicide investigators and local and regional bomb squads. These partnerships have created a force multiplier that has proven to be highly successful in reducing violent crime. We protect our neighborhoods from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.
Explosives and arson enforcement is an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy. ATF special agents, certified explosives specialists, explosives enforcement officers, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists are prepared to respond to any explosive or fire scene and routinely work with the local first responders to process the scene, recover, examine and analyze evidence, conduct follow up investigation, and provide expert testimony in court.
ATF is charged with the duty of regulating the firearms and explosives industries. We are committed to the goal of ensuring all firearms and explosives are stored, handled, and sold in a safe manner according to law.
One of ATF’s four forensic science laboratories and one of ATF’s three regional Explosives Technology Branch offices are located within the geographic area of the San Francisco Field Division. ATF’s forensic laboratories were the first Federal laboratories to achieve accreditation in 1984 by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). Achieving ASCLD/LAB (ISO) accreditation is a rigorous process for forensic laboratories, requiring extensive review of laboratory examination and documentation procedures used in the examination of evidence.
The men and women of ATF are proud to serve you and our goal of reducing violent crime and protecting our Nation is ever present. If you have a question or have information that may assist us in our mission, please contact us at (925) 557-2800.
Stephen C. Herkins
Division Management Team
- Stephen C. Herkins
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- John P. Lee
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Jeffrey E. Vind
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Christopher S. Turett
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Helen A. Dunkel
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive San Francisco Press Release Updates
Jury Finds Fairfield Man Guilty of Car Bombing Former Tenant
January 17, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Daniel Richard Garcia, 30, of Fairfield was convicted today of malicious use of explosives, possession of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of possession of unregistered destructive devices. The guilty verdict was returned by a federal court jury in Sacramento after a four-day trial before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton.More »
Fresno Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offenses
January 17, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Wendell Ladell Moton, 21, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Turlock Man and Fresno Man Indicted on Firearms Charges
January 12, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned two separate indictments today charging two men for firearms offenses.More »
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offenses
January 10, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty on Monday to stealing nine firearms while they were being shipped interstate by United Parcel Service Inc.More »
Madera Man Sentenced in Connection with Arson at Planned Parenthood and Vandalism of Mosque
January 5, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — Donny Eugene Mower, 38, of Madera, was sentenced in federal court today following his October 2011 guilty pleas to one count of arson, one count of damaging religious property and one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to damage the property of a reproductive health services facility. These charges stem from Mower’s lighting a fire inside a Planned Parenthood clinic and throwing a brick at a mosque in Madera.More »
Stockton Felon Sentenced for Ammunition Violation
January 5, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. sentenced Alan Michael Hernandez, 28, of Stockton, to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of ammunition.More »
Two Defendants Arrested During Operation Garlic Press Plead Guilty
December 21, 2011
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Two individuals today pleaded guilty in federal court in San Jose to charges stemming from a multi–agency, law enforcement initiative that was conducted in Gilroy, Calif., United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.More »
Two Operation Knockout Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
December 20, 2011
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A federal judge today sentenced Martin Montoya and Dakota Casperson to 19 and 18 years, respectively, in federal prison after they pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine as part of the conspiracy charged in Operation Knockout, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.More »
Fresno Felon Sentenced for Ammunition Possession
November 21, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced two-time convicted felon, Jacob Moya, 25, of Fresno, to 27 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of ammunition.More »
Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition
November 14, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that the United States District Judge Lawrence J. O–Neill sentenced Shane Stone, 33, of Fresno to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, as a result of his conviction for being a felon in possession of ammunition. On August 9, 2011, Stone was convicted following a trial.More »
Fresno Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
November 10, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Charles Garrett, 24, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Arrests Announced of International Firearms Trafficking Ring Members
November 9, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that on November 3, 2011, a grand jury returned an indictment charging seven individuals with various federal firearms offenses. The indictment was unsealed today.More »
Federal Drug Charges Filed Against Three Members of Hells Angels, Including Former President of Las Vegas Chapter
November 3, 2011
LAS VEGAS — Three men, all of whom were members of the Hells Angels, and one of whom was President of the Las Vegas chapter, have been charged with federal drug trafficking charges, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. Two of the men were also charged with additional drug or firearm crimes.More »
Fresno Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms Possession for a Fourth Time in Less than 10 Years
October 31, 2011
FRESNO, Calif.— United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that Chief United States District Court Judge Anthony W. Ishii accepted a guilty plea from Vue Her, 26, of Fresno, California to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.More »
Fresno Felon Charged with Federal Firearms and Immigration Offenses
October 27, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Adan Gonzalez–Gonzalez, 23, of Fresno, with federal firearms and immigration offenses.More »
Fresno Felon Indicted on Firearms Charge
October 27, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Julian Gomez Sosa, 42, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Modesto Man Indicted for Firearms and Drug Violations
October 27, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today a federal grand jury returned a six–count indictment charging Jose Jesus Reyes–Gallaga Vargas, 21, of Modesto, with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it, two counts of being an undocumented alien in possession of a firearm, and one count of dealing firearms without a license.More »
Oakdale Felon Faces Charges for Illegal Firearms Possession
October 20, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Glen Avilla, 45, of Oakdale, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registry.More »
Law Enforcement Action in Gilroy Targets Individuals Who Committed Violent Criminal Acts
October 14, 2011
San Jose, Calif. – Following a coordinated undercover operation that took place in Gilroy, Calif., and involved local, State and Federal law enforcement officials, 27 individuals who were arrested last night and early this morning on weapon and drug charges made their initial appearances in federal court today, United States Attorney Melinda Haag; Stephen C. Herkins, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Gilroy Chief of Police Denise J. Turner announced.More »
Jury Convicts Nicholas Bickle of Weapons Charges
October 7, 2011
LAS VEGAS — Nicholas Bickle was convicted today of federal conspiracy and weapons charges for unlawfully possessing, transporting or selling machine guns, pistols, and explosives, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.More »
Clovis Man Faces Charges for Illegal Firearms Possession
October 3, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Craig Mathias Katerinos, 20, of Clovis, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm that had not been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.More »
Fresno Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Ammunition
September 30, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger sentenced Kenneth Carter, 31, of Fresno, to five years and one month in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition and violating his supervised release.More »
Fresno Gang Member Sentenced for Firearms Charges
September 27, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger sentenced Christopher Madden, 28, of Fresno, to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Stanislaus Felon Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition
September 23, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced two-time convicted felon, Sergio V. Garcia, 32, of Riverbank, to six years and five months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of rifle ammunition.More »
Fresno Felon Indicted for Possession of Ammunition
September 22, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaime Vega, 34, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of ammunition.More »
ATF and Henderson PD Offer Reward of $5,000 in Gun Shop Burglary
September 6, 2011
HENDERSON, Nev. — Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division and Police Chief Jutta Chambers, Henderson Police Department, announced today the offer of a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary of Lock and Load Tactical, a Federal Firearms Licensee, located in Henderson, Nev.More »
Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Purchasing Assault Rifles in Las Vegas
August 26, 2011
LAS VEGAS – The last of four men charged and convicted of unlawfully purchasing 37 high-powered assault rifles in Las Vegas for the purpose of selling them in Mexico, was sentenced to prison today, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.More »
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Possession of Ammunition
August 22, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Jacob Moya, 25, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to the crime of being a felon in possession of ammunition.More »
Jury Returns a Guilty Verdict for Felon in Possession of Ammunition
August 9, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict today against Shane Stone, 32, of Fresno, for being a felon in possession of ammunition.More »
Galleria Mall Arsonist Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
August 2, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez sentenced Alexander Piggee, 24, of Sacramento, to 15 years in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, for causing fires that damaged the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville and a Wal-Mart on Antelope Road in Sacramento County. Both fires occurred on October 21, 2010.More »
Fresno Felon Indicted for Federal Firearms Offense
July 28, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Wendell Ladell Moton, 21, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Fresno and Modesto Men Indicted on Federal Firearms Offenses
July 15, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned three separate indictments yesterday charging federal firearms offenses.More »
Fairfield Man Indicted in Car Bombing
July 7, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a four–count indictment charging Daniel Richard Garcia, 30, of Fairfield, with malicious use of explosive materials, possession of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device.More »
Operation Knockout Defendant Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Distribution
June 29, 2011
SAN JOSE – A federal judge sentenced Pablo Jose Mendoza to 11 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing more than 8 kilograms of cocaine, United States Attorney MELINDA HAAG announced.More »
Fresno Bulldog Gang Member Faces Charges for Illegal Firearms Possession
June 30, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Marcelino Higareda, aka Leno, 20, of Fresno, with possessing a firearm that had not been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.More »
Man Indicted for Mail Fraud and Theft of Firearms from a Gun Dealer
June 30, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Brandon Shawn Greene, 37, of Fresno, with 10 counts of mail fraud, six counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, and six counts of theft of firearms.More »
Fresno Felon and Admitted Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charges
June 13, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Christopher Madden, 28, of Fresno, entered a guilty plea today to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Stanislaus County Drug Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Ammunition
June 3, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that convicted felon, Sergio V. Garcia, 32, of Riverbank, pleaded guilty today to felony possession of rifle ammunition.More »
Indictment Unsealed after Arrest of Fresno Trio for Meth Trafficking
May 31, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins, and Clovis Police Chief Janet E. Davis announced that an indictment was unsealed today charging Robert Cervantes, 43; Cheryl Stroud, 31; and Jennifer Stroud, 32; all of Clovis, in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The three defendants were arrested on May 27, 2011.More »
ATF Celebrates the G.R.E.A.T. Anti–Gang Program’s 20th Anniversary
May 27, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Stephen C. Herkins announced today that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the national Gang Resistant Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program.More »
Fresno Felon Faces Charges for Illegal Possession
May 26, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Vue Her, 26, of Fresno, with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.More »
Salinas Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Dealing Firearms Without a License
May 26, 2011
SAN JOSE – A federal judge sentenced a Salinas man to 57 months in prison after he admitted to selling nine firearms and 700 rounds of ammunition without a license, United States Attorney MELINDA HAAG announced.More »
Reward of $10,000 for Information in Mosque Arson
May 25, 2011, 2011
STOCKTON, Calif. – Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division, Police Chief Blair Ulring, Stockton Police Department, and interim Fire Chief David Rudat, Stockton Fire Department announced today that the Masjid Al Emaan Mosque, Reliance Real Estate Office, and Living Well Ministries and Christian Center fire was an act of arson and are offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.More »
Business Owner Indicted for Fraud and Arson Related to 2006 Mountain View Fire
May 13, 2011
SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury in San Jose indicted Fauzia Lodhi, of Mountain View, California, on May 11, 2011 with wire fraud, mail fraud, and arson charges, United States Attorney MELINDA HAAG announced.More »
Out-of-State Felon Arrested for Firearm Violation
May 12, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Scott James, also known as James Scott MacCulloch, 58, of Aurora, Colo., with being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Gun Runner Sentenced in Illegal Trafficking Scheme
May 12, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that Travis Price, 36, of Solano County, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully selling firearms and for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.More »
Convicted Gang Member Faces Charges for Illegal Firearms Possession
April 28, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Michael Aguilar, 27, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registry.More »
Oakland Drug Dealer Sentenced to 160 Months of Imprisonment
April 21, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins announced that yesterday Demario McDaniels, a/k/a Rio,
was sentenced to 160 months in prison for distribution of crack cocaine. McDaniels has multiple prior felony narcotics distribution convictions. Therefore, he was sentenced by the Honorable William Alsup, U.S. District Court Judge pursuant to the career offender provisions of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. More »
Operation Deep Water Investigation Concludes with Nine Targets Federally Indicted
April 19, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted nine individuals operating in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco with a variety of federal narcotics trafficking offenses, United States Attorney MELINDA HAAG, ATF Special Agent in Charge STEPHEN C. HERKINS, and Interim San Francisco Police Chief JEFF GODOWN announced. The investigation involved a series of undercover operations, collectively referred to as Operation Deep Water.More »
Felon Gets 13 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Conviction
April 15, 2011
LAS VEGAS — A convicted felon who pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute almost one kilo of methamphetamine and unlawfully possessing several stolen firearms, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release, announced Daniel G. Bogden, U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada.More »
Stockton Armed Career Criminal Indicted on Firearm Charge
April 14, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a one–count indictment charging Marcus Pride, 34, of Stockton, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Fresno Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charges
April 11, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Anthony Murillo, 28, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.More »
Madera Illegal Alien in Possession of Firearm and Ammo Convicted
March 28, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Julian Gonzalez–Jimenez, 24, of San Luis, El Petén, Guatemala, entered a guilty plea today to being an illegal alien in possession of a Ravens .25–caliber firearm and 77 rounds of .25–caliber ammunition when he was apprehended in connection with Operation Trident, a multi–agency marijuana enforcement effort in Madera, Fresno, and Tulare Counties in 2009 and 2010. To date, Operation Trident has resulted in the eradication of approximately 663,898 marijuana plants, primarily from public lands in the Sierra foothills and mountains in the Eastern District of California. Gonzalez–Jimenez’s guilty plea represents the 55th federal conviction as a result of Operation Trident.More »
Lincoln Man Indicted for Possession of Multiple Firearms, Including Machine Guns and Grenade
March 24, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three–count indictment charging Eric William Smith, 36, of Lincoln, with being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, three machine guns and a fragmentation grenade.More »
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Arson in Galleria Fire
March 8, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Alexander Piggee, 23, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to two counts of arson for causing fires that damaged the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville and a Wal-Mart on Antelope Road in Sacramento County. Both fires occurred on October 21, 2010.More »
Fresno Felon Indicted on Firearms Charge
February 24, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Jacob Moya, 25, of Fresno, with felony possession of ammunition.More »
Fresno Felon Faces Charges for Illegal Firearms Possession for a Third Time in Less Than 10 Years
February 17, 2011
Fresno, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Kenneth Carter, 30, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.More »
Sacramento Man Charged Federally with Arson in Galleria Fire
February 3, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, Placer County District Attorney Ronald Owens, and Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully, announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Sacramento has returned an indictment charging Alexander Piggee, 23, of Sacramento, with two counts of arson for causing fires that damaged the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville and a Wal-Mart on Antelope Road in Sacramento County. Both fires occurred on October 21, 2010.More »
Multiple Felons Indicted on Firearms Charges
January 31, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that federal grand juries in Fresno and Sacramento returned five indictments yesterday charging six men with illegal possession of firearms or ammunition. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Reno Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Emmons and Turner are based at University of Nevada – Reno and will conduct security sweeps at this year's Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
Fifth Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Rob Cocaine Stash House
January 14, 2011
LAS VEGAS — The fifth defendant convicted in an ATF sting operation in which the conspirators planned a violent robbery of a cocaine stash house, was sentenced today to 17˝ years in prison, announced Daniel G. Bogden, U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada.More »
Ten Persons Sentenced for Federal Firearms-Related Crimes in Southern Nevada During Fourth Quarter 2010
January 13, 2011
LAS VEGAS — Ten persons were sentenced for federal firearms-related offenses from October through December 2010, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. All of the individuals were investigated, convicted and sentenced as part of the Southern Nevada Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a U.S. Department of Justice sponsored initiative to reduce gun violence at the local level. The crimes they committed included felon in possession of a firearm, use of or brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and carjacking.More »
Trio of Fresno Felons Indicted on Firearms Charges
January 6, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned three separate indictments charging Anthony Manuel Murillo, 28, and Vue Her, 25, both of Fresno, as felons in possession of a firearm and Shane Stone, 32, of Fresno as a felon in possession of ammunition. The offenses are alleged to have been committed in December 2010.More »
Stockton Felons Arrested For Firearms and Drug Violations in Two Separate Cases
December 30, 2010
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that two indictments have been unsealed as follows:More »
Third Defendant Sentenced in Case Involving Shots Fired at East Palo Alto Police Officer
December 20, 2010
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Lavar Reid, Jr., who pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2010, to conspiracy to tamper with a witness, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge James Ware to 24 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. The charges stem from the investigation into shots fired at a uniformed East Palo Alto police officer on Sept. 18, 2005.More »
Southern California Man Convicted of Tobacco Excise Tax Fraud
December 15, 2010
SACRAMENTO, California — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal jury in Los Angeles convicted Abdurrahman Yousuf, 46, of Calabasas, California, of 23 counts of interstate commerce fraud and trafficking in contraband tobacco. More »
Salinas Task Force Seizes Assault Weapons, Arrests Firearms Traffickers
December 15, 2010
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A joint law enforcement task force in Salinas, Calif., today executed six search warrants and arrested two individuals on federal firearms charges, United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins announced. During the seven-month investigation officers seized nine military-style assault weapons, including one fully-automatic AR-15 machinegun, and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition. More »
Armed Salinas Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
November 16, 2010
An armed Salinas drug trafficker was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge James Ware, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. A jury found Dalmacio Ramirez Santos guilty on seven felony drug distribution and firearm charges following a two-week trial that ended in May. Evidence at trial showed that Santos, 37, sold methamphetamine to government agents on at least four different times in 2008 and 2009 in Salinas. More »
Salinas Drug Trafficker Sentence To Five Years
November 16, 2010
A Salinas drug trafficker was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison following his guilty plea to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag announced. More »
Gunshots Fired at East Palo Alto Police Officer Lead to Guilty Pleas, Sentencing in Federal Court
November 12, 2010
Maurice Deshawn Hodge pleaded guilty on November 10, 2010, before District Court Judge James Ware to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base and Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness, and sentenced to 10 years in custody, to be followed by a 5 year period of supervised release, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced this afternoon. More »
Three Men, Including U.S. Navy Seal, Arrested for Unlawfully Trafficking in Machine Guns
November 4, 2010
Three men, including an active duty U.S. Navy SEAL, have been arrested for conspiring to engage in prohibited firearms trafficking for allegedly selling machine guns and other firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer in Nevada and Colorado, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. More »
Fire at Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville Ruled Arson
October 27, 2010
Fire investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Roseville Fire Department and the Roseville Police Department (PD) announced today that the Oct 21 fire at the Westfield Galleria Mall was an act of arson. The incendiary blaze caused at least $55 million dollars of damage. More »
ATF National Response Team Actived to Investigate Fire at Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville
October 22, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the San Francisco Field Division have been activated by a request from the City of Roseville to investigate a fire at the Westfield Galleria Mall. The fire at the shopping mall, located at 1151 Galleria Blvd., Roseville, occurred on October 21st. The team of about 20 agents and specialists will start the scene investigation tomorrow morning. Some of the local special agents and investigators are already onsite. More »
Three Drug Traffickers Sentenced for Involvement in Large-Scale Narcotics Conspiracy
October 1, 2010
On September 29, 2010, three members of a large-scale narcotics organization were sentenced to significant prison time for their involvement in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. Anthony JOHNSTON, Vicente FRANCO ESCALERA, and Joel CEJA MENDOZA were sentenced by Judge Charles Breyer to prison terms of 14 years, 10 years, and 70 months, respectively. More »
Man With 30-Year Criminal History Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Possession
September 10, 2010
A man with a criminal history record spanning 30 years was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for his guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. More »
Licensed Gun Dealer Charged With Making Unlawful Sales of Firearms, Silencers, and a Machine Gun
September 3, 2010
United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins announced that Robert John Ronning, 42, of Salida, owner of Ronning Arms Inc. in Modesto, a federal firearms licensee, was arrested today on charges of illegal gun sales, including the unlawful transfers of unregistered silencers and a machine gun. More »
Member of Oakland-Based Armed Robbery Crew Sentenced to More Than Thirteen Years in Prison
August 24, 2010
A member of an Oakland-based armed robbery crew was sentenced today to a total of 159 months in prison by United States District Judge Claudia Wilken, for his participation in a series of armed robberies that targeted businesses throughout the Bay Area, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. According to court documents, San Kwen Saephan, 29, of Oakland, was a member of an armed robbery crew that committed several violent armed robberies between December 2007 and January 2008. More »
15 Charged With Evasion of Tens of Millions of Dollars in State Tobacco Products Excise Tax
August 9, 2010
United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, California Attorney General Jerry Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins, and California Board of Equalization Vice Chairman Jerome E. Horton, announced today that eight federal indictments had been unsealed charging 15 persons and three businesses with federal offenses relating to schemes to evade California excise taxes on non-cigarette tobacco products. More »
11 Indicted in Connection With Multi-Agency Marijuana Eradication Effort
August 6, 2010
United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that 11 criminal defendants were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Fresno in connection with Operation Trident, an intensive multi-agency marijuana eradication effort in Madera, Fresno, and Tulare Counties that commenced in 2009, and is coordinated by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. More »
Last Gun Runner Sentenced in Illegal Trafficking Scheme
August 6, 2010
The eighth member of an illegal gun trafficking ring that trafficked over 65 firearms from Atlanta, Ga., to the San Francisco Bay Area has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison announced Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The group bought, shipped then resold the guns from April through June of 2009. Several of these guns were recovered from crime scenes in San Francisco and Oakland. More »
Leader of Oakland-Based Armed Robbery Crew Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Prison
August 4, 2010
Kao Saeturn was sentenced today by United States District Judge Claudia Wilken to 272 months in prison for leading a robbery crew that committed a series of armed robberies targeting small businesses and their customers throughout the Bay Area, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. More »
Mexican Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison
July 1, 2010
Cornelio Mata Espinoza was sentenced yesterday to 250 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $39,000 to the United States for his role in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. More »
Second Superseding Indictment Handed Down in Plot to Overthrow the Government of Laos
June 24, 2010
United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury in Sacramento issued a five-count second superseding indictment in United States v. Harrison Jack, et al., the pending prosecution related to the alleged 2006–2007 plot by various individuals to overthrow the government of Laos. More »
ATF Offers a Reward of $5,000.00 for Information Regarding Explosives Theft
June 17, 2010
Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division and Sheriff Richard Riggins of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office announced today that ATF will offer a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of explosives that occurred at a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Site, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mount Shasta, Calif., sometime between the dates of April 12 – April 21, 2010. More »
23 Nuestra Familia Members & Associates Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges
June 8, 2010
United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that state, local, and federal agents arrested 23 members and associates of the Nuestra Familia organization on drug trafficking and related charges and served more than 20 federal search warrants. An indictment was unsealed today charging 20 individuals with one-count of drug distribution conspiracy. More »
Salinas Man Found Guilty of Gun, Drug Charges After 2 Week Trial
June 7, 2010
A federal jury convicted a Salinas, Calif., drug dealer of six drug trafficking offenses and one firearm count, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. The guilty verdict on Friday followed a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge James Ware in San Jose. More »
Bay Area Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison For Distributing Heroin and Methamphetamine
February 5, 2010
On February 3, 2010, Josefina Rodriguez was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to forfeit over $390,000 to the United States for her role in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. More »