A 43-year-old Orange County man could face 70 years in federal prison after being found in possession of a machine gun and nearly 1,000 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). authorities announced on Wednesday.
In a news release, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said they investigated Santa Ana resident Arhit Tanjapatkul in March 2023 when he sold a government-regulated military-grade laser to police that was originally stolen by a military member. He said it was brought to the attention of authorities. buyer.
Months later, in October 2023, law enforcement searched the 43-year-old’s home and discovered and seized dozens of firearms and four machine guns.
“During a similar search, investigators recovered a cell phone containing text messages in which Mr. Thanjapatkul discussed automatic weapons,” the release states. “Law enforcement also discovered a hard drive containing CSAM.”
In July 2024, law enforcement raided a warehouse in Santa Ana rented by a 43-year-old man.
There, authorities found further evidence that he was in possession of a machine gun, as well as 10 disks containing 79 videos and 831 images of child pornography.
“The drives and disks contained videos and images that specifically involved minors under the age of 12. Investigators located dozens of firearms in the home and storage area that had originally been stolen by the same service member. “We also found hundreds of pieces of military equipment,” prosecutors said.
The unidentified service member was charged and convicted in federal court in North Carolina, according to the release.
Tanjapatkul was released on $250,000 bail and is charged with one count of possession of a machine gun and three counts of possession of child pornography.
He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on November 18th.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents continue to investigate this matter.
