Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of Visalia Man, Seizure of Narcotics and Firearm Cache

VISALIA – California Attorney General Bonta today announced the arrest of a Visalia man, following a multi-agency operation that uncovered a cache of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics at his residence. The suspect, who is legally prohibited from owning firearms, was found to be in possession of weapons and passports stolen from a recently deceased neighbor, and was also in violation of a criminal protective order related to an ongoing child abuse investigation.
 
"When individuals bypass the law to possess and attempt to sell illegal firearms, they place our entire community at risk," said Attorney General Bonta. "Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our special agents, the Visalia Police Department, and vigilant tips from community members, we have recovered illicit firearms from the streets and safely removed a child from a dangerous environment. The California Department of Justice remains committed to disrupting gun violence and holding prohibited individuals accountable."
 
On August 28, 2026, the Tulare County Agencies Regional Gun Violence Enforcement Team (TARGET) task force members, alongside the Visalia Police Department Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), executed the warrant at the suspect’s residence after it was reported he was trying to illegally sell firearms. The operation resulted in the seizure of a rifle, a shotgun, a revolver, ammunition, two U.S. passports belonging to the deceased neighbor, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Detention Facility. He is facing criminal charges of being in possession of firearms and ammunition while prohibited from possessing them, criminal storage of a firearm, child endangerment, and violation of a court order. 
 
The TARGET team is made up of personnel from the California Department of Justice, Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. DOJ’s Bureau of Firearms (BOF) serves the people of California through education, regulation, and enforcement actions regarding the manufacture, sale, ownership, safety training, and transfer of firearms and ammunition. BOF staff are leaders in providing firearms expertise and information to law enforcement, legislators, and the general public in a comprehensive program to ensure legitimate and responsible firearm possession and use by California residents. BOF is looking to hire additional special agents and more information on assessments for relevant job openings can be found on DOJ's website at oag.ca.gov/careers/exams.
 
Here is a photo of the seizure.

The charges described in this release are only allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.