FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A district attorney announced that 5 men are facing federal charges in connection with a yearslong firearms trafficking conspiracy.
The defendants are 21-year-old Harman Pahal, 20-year-old Cameron Chouanmasay, 21-year-old Colton Malone, 20-year-old Julian Calderon, and 20-year-old Jaskarn Batth, who are all from Fresno.
The defendants were arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
According to court documents, between December 2024 and April 2026, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, traveled across state lines to unlawfully acquire firearms, and illegally imported firearms into California.
None of the defendants were licensed to deal, manufacture, or import firearms.
The indictment alleges the defendants used social media to advertise and sell firearms and repeatedly traveled from Fresno to Texas to obtain additional weapons for resale.
During trips in December 2024, prosecutors allege the defendants acquired multiple firearms, including Draco-style AK-type pistols and other handguns, then returned with them to California to sell.
They also allegedly discussed and attempted multiple firearm sales through online platforms.
All five defendants are charged with conspiracy, unlicensed dealing and manufacturing of firearms, interstate travel with intent to deal firearms unlawfully, and unlawful importation of firearms into California.
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If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy to deal commit unlawful firearms dealing, engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, and interstate importation of firearms without a license.
They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of the count of interstate travel to unlawfully deal in firearms.