Investigation into Oakland sideshows leads feds to alleged Instagram ghost gun dealer
OAKLAND >> In a case that started with an investigation into Oakland sideshows, a city resident has been charged with illegally selling and manufacturing firearms. Prosecutors say much of the evidence came from the defendant's Instagram account.
Roy Montoya, 26, of Oakland was charged in late April with unlicensed firearm dealing — a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine — but prosecutors said at a June court date they expect he will be indicted this week.
In May, U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu released him on an unsecured $50,000 bond, over the objections of the U.S. Attorney's office, which called him a “serious flight risk.”
The criminal complaint
against Montoya says that prosecutors started investigating an Instagram account, “COUPESGOINGCRAZY,” for involvement in Oakland sideshows, but the investigation uncovered discussions about gun sales between that account and one tied to Montoya. According to the complaint, Montoya's Instagram handle
was “HAZELPEWPEW” and he was involved in discussions with several people about the sale of machine guns, pistols and AR15-style weapons.
Prosecutors allege Montoya talked about the growing demand for firearms in Mexico, as well as “Glock handguns, AR-15 style firearms, Draco pistols,” and a fully automatic AK-47. They also took screenshots of pictures on Montoya's phone of an assault rifle equipped with a grenade launcher, according to the complaint.
In one conversation, Montoya talked about taking a firearm and ammunition to Mexico and added, “Ima vacuum seal everything and stash it in the gas tank,” according to prosecutors.
In mid-April, authorities searched Montoya's home on Seminary Avenue in Oakland and found two unserialized guns — a pistol and a suspected machine gun rifle — as well as numerous gun parts and ammunition. Montoya allegedly told authorities he made his first gun at age 15 and had manufactured “a couple” at the residence.
After the raid, Montoya booked a one-way trip to Mexico, but was arrested before he could leave, prosecutors alleged in court filings.