San Jose, CA – An 18-year-traditional man has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities discovered an alleged arsenal of ghost guns manufactured in his bedroom, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. The case highlights a growing concern over the proliferation of untraceable firearms assembled from parts and 3D-printed components. This incident involving ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers, is the latest example of a troubling trend law enforcement is working to combat.
Jacob Reyes, 18, faces charges including possession of a machine gun and related felonies stemming from the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using a 3D printer. Authorities say they found two working 3D weapon printers and 27 finished or partially finished guns at his family’s home on Peach Court. Some of the firearms were allegedly modified to function as machine guns, increasing the severity of the charges. The discovery was made during an investigation led by the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force.
“There is a black market of weapons thriving right under our noses,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen in a statement. “Once again, the DA’s investigators and their law enforcement partners have taken off the streets an arsenal of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons.” The District Attorney’s office emphasized the danger posed by these untraceable weapons, which can be difficult to track, and regulate.
The investigation, a collaborative effort involving the San Jose Police Department, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies, underscores the increasing focus on disrupting the production and distribution of ghost guns. The Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force was formed to specifically address this issue, aiming to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others, including those with criminal backgrounds or mental health concerns.
The Rise of Ghost Guns and 3D Printing
Ghost guns have become a significant concern for law enforcement officials nationwide. Unlike traditional firearms, they lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace and regulate. This allows them to be purchased and possessed without background checks, potentially falling into the hands of individuals prohibited from owning firearms. The accessibility of 3D printing technology has further exacerbated the problem, enabling individuals to manufacture firearms at home with relative ease. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office has been vocal about the dangers posed by this trend.
According to reporting from NBC Bay Area, the arrest of Reyes occurred on February 26, 2026, and he was slated to be arraigned Thursday afternoon at the Hall of Justice. The charges against him reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the manufacturing and possession of these illegal weapons.
Details of the Alleged Arsenal
The alleged arsenal discovered in Reyes’ bedroom included 27 firearms, some of which were completed and others still in the process of being assembled. Authorities also seized two working 3D weapon printers, indicating a capacity for ongoing production. Notably, one handgun was found that had not been produced using the 3D printers, suggesting Reyes may have obtained firearms through other means as well. The presence of modified firearms capable of functioning as machine guns adds another layer of complexity to the case, potentially leading to more severe penalties upon conviction.
The discovery of the alleged ghost gun operation near Reyes’ collection of Air Jordan sneakers, as reported by the District Attorney’s office, paints a stark contrast between everyday youth culture and the dangerous activity allegedly taking place within his home. This detail underscores the hidden nature of ghost gun manufacturing and the potential for it to occur in unexpected places.
The Gun Violence Task Force’s Role
The Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force, which played a key role in Reyes’ arrest, is comprised of officers from the San Jose Police Department, investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, and deputies from other law enforcement departments. The task force’s primary mission is to remove firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others. This includes individuals with criminal histories, those experiencing mental health crises, and those at risk of suicide. The collaborative nature of the task force demonstrates a coordinated effort to address gun violence in the county.
Potential Penalties and Next Steps
If convicted, Reyes could face significant prison time. The charges against him, including possession of a machine gun and unlicensed firearm manufacturing, carry substantial penalties under California law. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon, where he will enter a plea and the legal process will formally start. The outcome of the case will likely depend on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense.
The case is expected to shed further light on the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the proliferation of ghost guns and the role of 3D printing in facilitating their production. It also raises questions about the accessibility of firearm parts and the need for stricter regulations to prevent individuals from assembling illegal weapons.
The next step in the legal process will be Reyes’ arraignment, where the court will determine the next steps in the case. Updates will be available through the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office website and local news outlets.
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