Convicted Felon Found With 'Ghost Guns' Was San Jose Airport Worker
SAN JOSE (KPIX 5) -- A convicted felon who worked behind the security perimeter at San Jose's Mineta Airport was arrested on weapons charges after ATF agents found rifles, a pistol, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in his home.
As a convicted felon, Juan Gutierrez cannot legally own a firearm. He can't pass a background check to buy one.
But, he made himself guns, including a rifle, using a drill press.
He also etched slogans into his guns, including "It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government."
Gutierrez then posted photos of himself training with the South Bay Platoon of the California State Militia.
Someone who knew Gutierrez was a felon and, heard him bragging about his guns alerted federal agents.
"Because of his extreme views, the concerned citizen was worried about the safety of the public," an undercover ATF agent told KPIX 5.
The ATF agent who investigated Gutierrez says Juan was trying to get other militia members to join him.
"We can't say for sure that he was planning a big attack, however, as a law enforcement agency, we could not take that chance."
ATF agents arrested Gutierrez where he worked, behind the security perimeter at San Jose's airport on the tarmac where Gutierrez was employed by a company that refuels jets and other vehicles.
The agents searched his home and found rifles, a pistol, the tools to make more guns, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
San Jose airport told us they revoked Juan's security badge after he was arrested.
But a month later, the TSA made them give it back while he awaited trial.
Gutierrez continued to work inside the security perimeter.
Gutierrez agreed to enter a guilty plea to federal charges of felon in possession of ammunition.
San Jose airport said it is the employee's responsibility to notify them of a conviction, so they can evaluate the security clearance.
If he did not tell them, they say a security check of his fingerprints that is done every two years would reveal any criminal convictions.
Gutierrez was sentenced last Tuesday to three years of probation, with six months of home confinement, except to go to work.
He was ordered to give up his guns, and was forbidden to join a militia.
The judge told him, "I'm taking a little bit of a chance on you."
Last Friday, San Jose airport said they had revoked Gutierrez' security badge.
