Gang Member Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearms Trafficking

FRESNO, Calif. - Juan Banda Jr., 44, of Selma, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 2 years in prison for engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing firearms without a license, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between Feb. 1, 2022, and March 15, 2023, Banda and Arthur Garcia, 22, of Selma, engaged in the business of dealing and manufacturing firearms. He engaged in the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms for the principal purpose of profit and did not possess a valid Federal Firearms License. Banda admitted membership in the Vario Selma Rifa Bulldog gang when he was arrested.

On March 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Banda's residence and the following was seized: three completed AR-15 style rifles, a Springfield XD 9, a gray and black privately-manufactured handgun, four privately manufactured rifle lower receivers with trigger assemblies, as well as firearm parts and ammunition. Messages revealed dozens more firearms previously manufactured and trafficked by Banda, many of which were earmarked for distribution to gang members.

This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

Garcia is scheduled for a status conference on Aug. 28, 2024. The charges against him are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.