SANTA PAULA, Calif. — A 28-year-old Santa Paula man was arrested on November 13, 2026, after detectives serving a search warrant found a 3D printer, several 3D-printed firearms, a modified assault rifle and 3D-printed handgun frames at his residence, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office reported.
Read the Ventura County Sheriff's Office release: https://nixle.us/HTG89
The Sheriff's Office announced the arrest in a news release dated November 13, 2026, in Report Nos. 26-148638 / 26-144895.
Justin Silva, 28, of Santa Paula, is the suspect named in the release.
Silva was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, the Sheriff's Office stated.
A November Investigation, a Search Warrant, and a Morning Detention
During November 2026, detectives assigned to the West County Special Enforcement Unit began an investigation into a suspect suspected of unlawfully manufacturing firearms using 3D printing technology, according to the release.
Detectives received information that Silva was manufacturing 3D-printed firearms at his residence, the Sheriff's Office stated.
Based on the information obtained during the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Silva's residence, according to the release.
On November 13, 2026, detectives located and detained Silva away from his residence, the Sheriff's Office stated.
Detectives then served the search warrant at the residence in the 1100 block of Santa Barbara Street in Santa Paula, according to the release.
A 3D
Printer, Printed Firearms, and a Modified Assault Rifle
During the search, detectives located a 3D printer, several 3D-printed firearms, a modified assault rifle and other firearms and firearm components, including 3D-printed handgun frames, the Sheriff's Office stated.
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Privately manufactured firearms, commonly referred to as ghost guns, often lack serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace during criminal investigations, according to the release.
Silva was arrested on the following charges, according to the release:
PC § 30600(a): Unlawful Manufacture of an Assault Weapon
PC § 30605(a): Unlawful Possession of an Assault Weapon
PC § 32310(a): Manufacturing of High-Capacity Magazines
The charges are allegations. Silva is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community Partnerships, Crime Stoppers, and What Happens Next
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office thanked members of the public for their continued support and assistance in investigating criminal activity, and said community partnerships remain an important part of its efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety throughout Ventura County, according to the release.
What happens next is the court process following Silva's booking into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. No court date was given in the release.
Anyone with information regarding unlawful firearm manufacturing or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, according to the release.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person or persons responsible for this crime. Callers may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Sources
Ventura County Sheriff's Office, "Firearms Arrest," Official Nixle News Release, November 13, 2026: https://nixle.us/HTG89