Marine’s Shocking Undercover Operation Ends in Conviction

Marine Lance Corporal Christian Ferrari has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for selling unregistered “ghost” rifles to undercover agents.

At a Glance

Marine Lance Corporal Christian Ferrari sold 22 unregistered “ghost” rifles to an undercover federal agent for $23,300.
The rifles were mostly unlawfully short-barreled.
U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant highlighted the danger Ferrari created and noted his lack of foresight.
Ferrari expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions were wrong, attributing them partly to untreated ADHD.

Marine Selling “Ghost” Rifles

Ferrari sold 22 unregistered “ghost” rifles to undercover agents for $23,300 from March to May. The rifles, mostly short-barreled, were exchanged over four transactions in San Diego and El Cajon. Undercover agents informed Ferrari the guns would be used for illegal activities, including protection of cannabis grow sites and trafficking to Mexico, yet this did not deter him.

Ferrari enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2020 and served as a rifleman with the 1st Marine Regiment. His criminal activities came to the attention of law enforcement after a tip from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. In May 2023, federal agents arrested him following a sale of 10 short-barreled rifles.

Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant sentenced Ferrari to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence, arguing Ferrari’s military service should count as an aggravating factor. The defense requested a two-year sentence, citing his untreated ADHD and remorse for his actions.

“Sometimes I just don’t think that far ahead, your honor,” Ferrari admitted during the hearing. His lawyers also highlighted support from family and fellow Marines as a reason for a lighter sentence.

Context and Implications

Ferrari’s arrest and sentencing are part of the Privately Made Firearm Crime Reduction Project. Since February 2023, this project has led to the seizure of 165 ghost guns and the prosecution of 33 individuals. Ghost guns, lacking serial numbers, are challenging to trace, presenting significant risks to public safety.

Judge Bashant stressed Ferrari’s impulsive decision-making and the severe potential consequences of his actions. Despite his remorse, Judge Bashant noted the public nature of the sales indicated a clear awareness of the guns’ unlawful purposes.

“It is also important to note that those that know him best and served alongside him in service to our nation believe that this was a grave mistake, that Christian takes responsibility for this behavior, and that nothing of the kind will occur in the future,” the defense argued.

Ferrari must report to prison by October 30. His case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing the surge of untraceable firearms.