Five former high school classmates from California are facing accusations of running a multi-year gun-trafficking operation, which allegedly brought assault weapons and handguns into the state.
A federal grand jury has indicted Herman Pahar, 21, Cameron Chouangmasai, 20, Colton Malone, 21, Julian Calderon, 20, and Jaskarn Butt, 20, all hailing from Fresno, for a suspected conspiracy related to gun trafficking that reportedly took place between December 2024 and April 2026.
The indictment claims that these individuals, who met while attending Bullard High School, pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Monday.
According to the charges, they illegally obtained firearms from Texas to California for resale, despite not holding any licenses to sell, manufacture, or import weapons.
Prosecutors allege that the group utilized social media to advertise and sell firearms, coordinating multiple sales through various online platforms.
In December 2024, the defendants allegedly made a purchase trip where they acquired several firearms, including a Draco-style AK pistol and other handguns, and then brought them back to California to sell.
The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to engage in unauthorized gun sales and manufacturing, interstate travel for the purpose of illegal trafficking, and the unlawful importation of firearms into California.
If found guilty, they could face up to five years in federal prison and fines amounting to $250,000 for each of the conspiracy, unauthorized trafficking, and illegal importation charges. Additionally, they may face up to ten years for the interstate gun trafficking charges.
The investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations, with support from the Fresno Police Department.
Federal authorities highlighted that this case is part of a broader initiative by the Homeland Security Task Force aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in transnational activities, including gun trafficking.
Interestingly, another significant operation by the task force occurred in March, resulting in one of the largest drug seizures in U.S. history, where nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine were uncovered after an extensive investigation in areas like Modesto and Turlock.
