[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap] man with a fancy stash house in Bel-Air, where just two days ago authorities found more than 1,000 guns of all matter of caliber, is already out on bail despite having a previous arrest for a gun violation, according to public records. His speedy release and the relatively lax manner in which authorities seem to be handling the case is in stark contrast to similar cases of massive gun stockpiles in less affluent parts of Los Angeles.
"It's beyond comprehension that somebody can have so many weapons in a residence like this, in a neighborhood like this," LAPD Lt. Chris Ramirez told reporters after the bust. A massive stash of ammunition was also found at the residence.
Girard Damien Saenz was arrested Wednesday when local and federal authorities raided the affluent Westside neighborhood home of real estate mogul Cynthia Beck, his companion. Beck has three daughters with an heir to the Getty oil fortune, according to a report by the L.A. Times.
Sanez posted bail Thursday morning.
Bond for Saenz's release was set at $50,000 and authorities have said they don't believe the public is in any danger. Saenz has a federal firearms license that allows him to collect guns. In a statement, the ATF said it received an anonymous tip that Saenz was illegally selling or manufacturing guns.
The collection of guns includes AR-15s, a 40s-era Tommy Gun, several 9 mms and 357 magnum revolvers, and an Uzi with a silencer. It remains unclear if he will be charged with any crime.
It wouldn't be the first time Saenz faces minor consequences for breaking California's strict gun laws. "Saenz was arrested at a Malibu home in September 2017 on suspicion of brandishing a firearm," according to the L.A. Times report. "But those involved told deputies they did not want to pursue the matter, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman. Saenz was released within a few hours of being detained.
No charges were filed.
Last summer, LAPD and ATF officials uncovered a massive collection of what they said were "ghost guns" or untraceable firearms being sold and manufactured throughout Los Angeles. At the time, officials called it "a trend among Southern California gangs." A total of 47 felony counts related to the manufacturing and sales of ghost guns were filed then by the Los Angeles District Attorney.
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