Los Angeles– Law enforcement officials have apprehended Ryan Scott Bradford, a 34-year-old Reseda resident allegedly affiliated with a violent white supremacist group, on federal drug and ammunition charges.
The arrest comes after a joint operation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday. Authorities raided Bradford’s residence near White Oak Avenue and Saticoy Street, leading to the discovery of disturbing evidence.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bradford faces charges of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of ammunition. This possession is in violation of a 2012 burglary conviction, making it illegal for him to have any ammunition.
During the search, law enforcement officials found 116 rounds of ammunition. However, the concerning discoveries did not end there. Investigators uncovered firearms parts, including two 3D-printed auto sears and five “switches,” which can be used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic firearms.
In addition to the firearms-related items, authorities stumbled upon two 3D printers, with one of them adorned with swastikas. Various Nazi propaganda materials were also seized from the premises. Most disturbingly, law enforcement found what appears to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
Officials revealed that between 2021 and January 2023, Bradford actively posted messages and photos online depicting him using a 3D printer to create firearms, along with “calling for the mass murder of Jews.” The suspect allegedly used messaging apps like Telegram to spread hate-filled remarks targeting Jewish individuals.
The tweet below verifies the news:
Reseda man who was target of FBI raid accused of calling for mass murder of Jewshttps://t.co/aKmAdaFYXt
— Deicidal Maniac 🔯 Professor Vargas ⚛☯️☮✵𖤍ᗢ🇺🇦 (@MythicDeicide) July 29, 2023
The investigation has shed light on Bradford’s association with the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, a racially motivated extremist group based in Los Angeles County. Originating within the California state prison system, this group has a history of engaging in racially motivated violence, illegal firearms trafficking, drug offenses, and fraud.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the potential danger Bradford posed to the community, stating, “The potential danger to the community cannot be overstated. We will continue to investigate this matter to ensure that this defendant is held accountable for his crimes, and to keep our community safe from acts of violence motivated by racist and hateful ideology.”
Bradford’s online activities also included sharing links and instruction manuals about hand grenades, biological warfare, and the so-called “Aryan Revolution.” Furthermore, he allegedly offered to produce firearms and firearm parts for others using 3D printers.
The suspect’s illegal activities extended beyond hate speech and firearms, as he also faced allegations of conspiring with another Peckerwoods member, Kris Dean Drakakis. Drakakis, who was indicted on June 30, has charges against him that include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Bradford’s online presence under the alias “Peck Erwood” on Amazon, using a woodpecker avatar, brought attention to his association with the extremist group.
If convicted on all charges, Ryan Scott Bradford could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the drug conspiracy charge and up to 15 years for possessing ammunition as a felon.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, DEA, and LAPD continue to investigate the case to ensure public safety and hold the defendant accountable for his alleged crimes. Bradford is expected to face trial in the near future.
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