Hesperia ghost gun arrests: Deputies seize unserialized firearms, suspected meth, destructive devices and three stolen vehicles
HESPERIA, Calif. — Two Hesperia residents, Coltin Fant and Michael Sardegna Jr., were arrested after deputies seized unserialized “ghost guns,” suspected methamphetamine, destructive devices, high-capacity magazines and three stolen vehicles from a Fourth Avenue residence earlier this month.
Key takeaways
- Two arrests: Coltin Fant, 32, and Michael Sardegna Jr., 30, were taken into custody by the Apple Valley Station Gang Enforcement Team.
- Major seizure: Deputies recovered multiple unserialized firearms (ghost guns), destructive devices, high-capacity magazines, suspected methamphetamine and three stolen vehicles.
- Charges and bail: Fant faces conspiracy, loaded firearm, large-capacity magazine and stolen property counts (held on $30,000); Sardegna Jr. faces possession of a controlled substance while armed and possession of a destructive device (held on $290,000).
Investigation, traffic stop and the first arrest
According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, detectives were following leads on illegal firearms possession that prompted a traffic stop. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as 32-year-old Coltin Fant of Hesperia, and located an unserialized firearm — commonly called a ghost gun because it lacks serial numbers and is difficult to trace. Fant was detained without incident after the stop.
“Detectives began investigating reported illegal firearms possession that led to a traffic stop and the subsequent recovery of additional evidence during a search warrant,” the department said.
Search warrant at Fourth Avenue residence
Following the traffic stop, the Apple Valley Station Gang Enforcement Team obtained and served a search warrant at a home in the 10000 block of Fourth Avenue in Hesperia. Deputies contacted 30-year-old Michael Sardegna Jr. at the property and reported finding multiple firearms, suspected methamphetamine, destructive devices and high-capacity magazines. Investigators also discovered three stolen vehicles on the property; all items were seized and booked into evidence.
Charges, bail and booking details
Coltin Fant was booked on charges that include conspiracy, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine and possession of stolen property. He is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $30,000 bail.
Michael Sardegna Jr. was booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance while armed and possession of a destructive device; he is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $290,000 bail. Available reports do not list court dates or additional case filings at this time.
What was recovered
- Multiple unserialized firearms (ghost guns)
- High-capacity magazines
- Destructive devices
- Suspected methamphetamine
- Three stolen vehicles located on the property
All items were seized by deputies during the operation and entered into evidence.
Legal and enforcement context
Unserialized firearms — often called ghost guns — lack factory-applied serial numbers and are frequently assembled from parts or kits. They are the focus of heightened enforcement in California and nationally because they are harder to trace than factory-made guns. California law contains specific serialization and sale restrictions; local law enforcement has increasingly targeted ghost guns in investigations tied to violent crime, gang activity and weapons trafficking.
Deputies said the operation began with leads on illegal firearms possession and culminated in the traffic stop and search warrant that produced the additional evidence.
Community and public-safety implications
The seizure of multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines and destructive devices in one operation raises local public-safety concerns, particularly for residents near the scene. The recovery of three stolen vehicles highlights property-crime impacts and the potential for broader criminal activity tied to vehicle theft.
Public cooperation: The sheriff’s department has asked the public to provide tips if they have information related to this investigation.
How the public can provide information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Apple Valley Police Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit a tip online via the We-Tip website.
Implications for California
- Law enforcement priorities: The arrests illustrate ongoing emphasis on illegal firearms, ghost gun proliferation and gang-related probes.
- Public safety and property protection: Recovering stolen vehicles can mitigate secondary crimes and help return property to victims.
- Policy debate: Incidents involving ghost guns often prompt calls for stronger enforcement and policy review.
- Community trust: Anonymous tip lines and community cooperation remain central to disrupting illegal operations.
Case status and next steps
Available reporting does not list upcoming court dates, indictments beyond the initial booking, or other prosecutorial actions. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provided the initial statement and evidence list; local prosecutors and the sheriff’s office will determine charges to pursue through the San Bernardino County court system. Readers should expect further public records and court filings to provide more detailed timelines and legal outcomes.
Sources and reporting notes
- VVNG: Gang Enforcement Team arrests two in Hesperia; seizes ghost guns and stolen vehicles
- VVNG: Coltin Fant coverage and tags
- VVNG: Hesperia local coverage
- VVNG author archive
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department written statement (dispatch and arrest information)
- We-Tip: We-Tip
Reporting by Times Media Service; dispatch and arrest information from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Victor Valley News (VVNG).
