A significant gun trafficking operation spanning Central Florida has been dismantled, leading to the indictment of six individuals and the seizure of hundreds of firearms, machine guns, and conversion devices.
Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the indictment, which alleges that Victor Manuel LaFontaine Ruiz, 31, of Poinciana, and Jose Emanuel Maldonado Rodriguez, 32, of Kissimmee, led the illegal operation.
According to court documents, the pair obtained firearm parts, including from a Chinese national, and used a “ghost gunner” machine and specialized drilling devices to assemble, manufacture, and modify semi-automatic and automatic firearms at a workspace on Maldonado’s property.
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Lafontaine and Maldonado, with assistance from Freddie Geovani Cruz Batiz, 36, of Kissimmee, then allegedly sold these weapons, including fully automatic firearms and machine gun conversion devices, to illegal aliens and convicted felons.
The indictment specifically names Jomar Manuel Lopez Montanez, 30, of Kissimmee; Derrick Yamil Rivera Robles, 29, of Kissimmee; and Leonardo David Joseph Guerra, 23, of Orlando, as buyers who often acted as brokers for other unknown customers.
On February 20, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to the conspiracy, recovering a vast array of firearms, machine gun conversion devices, manufacturing equipment, and drug paraphernalia. Notably, agents discovered five AR-style pistols with sequential serial numbers at Maldonado’s residence.
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“This operation highlights the dangers of illegal gun trafficking and its potential to fuel violence in our communities,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Sweeney. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these illegal activities and hold those responsible accountable.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies to combat gun violence and organized crime.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and ATF, with assistance from various local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill will prosecute the case.
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