DOJ: Selma man sentenced to 2 years in prison for illegal firearms

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 44-year-old Selma man was sentenced to prison time for engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing firearms without a license, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Juan Banda Jr. was sentenced to two years in prison.

According to court documents, between Feb. 1, 2022, and March 15, 2023, Banda and Arthur Garcia, 22, of Selma, engaged in the business of dealing and manufacturing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert says Banda engaged in the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms for the principal purpose of profit and did not possess a valid Federal Firearms License. Banda admitted membership in the Vario Selma Rifa Bulldog gang when he was arrested.

On March 15, 2023, Talbert says a search warrant was executed at Banda’s residence and the following was seized:

• Three completed AR-15-style rifles
• One Springfield XD 9
• One gray and black privately manufactured handgun
• Four privately manufactured rifle lower receivers with trigger assemblies
• Firearm parts
• Ammunition

Talbert says messages revealed dozens more firearms previously manufactured and trafficked by Banda, many of which were earmarked for distribution to gang members.

Garcia is scheduled for a status conference on Aug. 28.

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