An Ohio resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Massachusetts for alleged firearms offenses involving the transportation and sale of weapons from Ohio to Massachusetts.
Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr., 31, of Youngstown, Ohio, faces one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sanchez was arrested on January 8, 2026, and is currently held in federal custody.
According to court documents, authorities allege that between at least June 2025 and January 2026, Sanchez trafficked firearms unlawfully. In June 2025, he allegedly sold three firearms for $4,000 to an individual. On January 8, 2026, he was reportedly observed selling four more firearms to the same person for $8,500. Law enforcement recovered several loaded weapons at the scene of his arrest: an AR-style pistol with a loaded 100-round drum magazine; a rifle also equipped with a loaded 100-round drum; a loaded pistol with an extended magazine; and another loaded pistol.
If convicted on the charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, Sanchez could face up to fifteen years in prison, three years supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. The charge related to unlawful trafficking carries potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment as well as similar terms for supervised release and fines. Sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district court judge following U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” The announcement was made alongside Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh from the Major Crimes Unit is handling prosecution duties.