Jonathan Manuel Flores, a 20-year-old from Chula Vista, has been sentenced to 135 months in federal prison following his conviction on multiple firearms offenses, including the assault of an undercover ATF agent during a botched gun sale. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation by ATF special agents targeted the trafficking of “ghost guns” and firearms illegally modified with auto conversion devices.
On February 17, 2023, the incident unfolded in the parking lot of a Walmart on Murphy Canyon Road in San Diego, where Flores was set to sell an undercover agent a Glock pistol equipped with an illegal “Glock Switch.” Said Glock, when Flores turned the deal sour, pressing the muzzle of the weapon against the agent’s ribcage after demanding to see the agent’s cash, according to the same source. Seemingly an act of betrayal over business, Flores and his two associates fled the scene with $2,000 in cash, only to later find themselves facing the hard end of the law with Flores’ apprehension by San Diego Police.
Demonstrating the gravity of such crimes, U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon highlighted the case as a stark reminder of “the extreme danger our agents face every day in their efforts to keep illegal firearms off our streets.” His sentiment was echoed by ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper, who lauded the partnership with local and federal entities to carry out their mission of safeguarding the public from violent offenders, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office…