Man Suspected of Supplying Out-Of-State Guns to OC Gang Members

Authorities Tuesday arrested a 23-year-old man, described as a documented gang member from Fullerton who recently moved to Oklahoma, for allegedly transferring out-of-state firearms to suspected gang members in Orange County.

Manuel "Flacco" Delatorre Jr. of Verdeen, Oklahoma was arrested early Tuesday morning at his home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Investigators from ATF worked with Fullerton police in the investigation.

"During the arrest a federal search warrant was executed at the suspect's residence and law enforcement seized firearms, ammunition, a bullet- proof vest, along with other evidence," according to an ATF statement.

Delatorre has been charged with unlawful of transfer of a firearm to an out-of-state resident, the ATF reported.

"Per federal law, only federal firearms licensees can legally transfer, sell or transport firearms to an individual who does not reside in the same state as the transferor," according to the ATF.

Fullerton police located firearms during searches of Orange County residences, officials said.

"The ongoing investigation led law enforcement to Oklahoma and Delatorre," who authorities say is a gang member from Fullerton who recently moved to Oklahoma "and was supplying local individuals with firearms," according to the ATF.

Delatorre faces a maximum of five years in federal prison if convicted as charged.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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