Los Angeles Man Pleads to Drug-Related Charges After Selling Firearms Without a License
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man linked to firearms-trafficking offenses has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Cesar Isais, 32, pleaded guilty on Dec. 1 to distribution of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1). A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 7, 2022, at which time he will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
When he pleaded guilty in this case, Isais admitted arranging a deal with an undercover operative to sell a “Russian-style machine gun,” and one pound of methamphetamine, according to court documents. During a transaction on Feb 11, 2020, Isais sold a machine gun and about 350 grams (about three-quarters of a pound) of 98 percent pure methamphetamine.
In his plea agreement, Isais admitted selling the informant firearms on three occasions prior to the Feb. 11 transaction. Isais sold two AR-15-type, short-barreled automatic rifles with no serial numbers; two Glock-type machine gun pistols with no serial numbers; and a .50-caliber rifle. During all three firearms transactions in January 2020, Isais acted an unlicensed firearms dealer.
Federal law requires individuals who are engaged in the business of dealing in firearms be licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Dealing in firearms without a license is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both. In just over a month, ATF purchased six firearms and 354 grams of methamphetamine from Isais.
This matter was investigated by the ATF with the Los Angeles Police Department – Metropolitan Division – ATF Task Force, Crime Impact Team (CIT) providing assistance. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elia Herrera.
For more information, follow ATF LAFD on Twitter @LosAngelesATF.
