FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suspect Kenneth Tafoya

IN-CUSTODY

On November 15 of 2025, Detectives from the San José Police Department Gun and Hazardous Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) began follow-up on a tip provided by the Santa Clara County Adult Probation Office. SJPD GHOST Detectives conducted a proactive investigation into the importation, manufacturing, sales and distribution of various firearms including machine guns, privately manufactured firearms (PMFs), rifles, assault weapons and shotguns in the city of San José, as well surrounding counties throughout the Bay Area, Central Valley and Northern California. During the course of the investigation, Kenneth Tafoya was identified as the primary suspect. It was discovered that between the dates of February of 2025 through November of 2025, he imported or manufactured at least 1,700 machine gun conversionary devices (commonly referred to as “Glock Switches”) from overseas for sale. 

SJPD GHOST detectives, with the assistance of the Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), obtained an arrest warrant for Suspect Kenneth Tafoya and multiple search warrants for the suspect’s associated residences. On January 14th, 2026, with the assistance of California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the suspect was located and taken into custody in the City of Stockton, CA. During a search of the suspect’s associated residences, Detectives seized one shotgun, one rifle, one pistol, one machine gun conversionary device, multiple rounds of live ammunition, firearm manufacturing precursor materials, multiple magazines, as well as multiple spent casings from weapons previously discharged.

Suspect Kenneth Tafoya was later booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail for various firearm related offenses. 

“The importation, manufacturing, and sale of illegal firearms will not be tolerated in our community,” said SJPD Chief Paul Joseph. “Through diligent investigation and strong partnerships, our officers dismantled a dangerous operation, preventing these weapons from falling into the wrong hands and causing further harm.”

“I am grateful to the collaboration of our justice partners, including San Jose PD, CHP, ATF, Santa Clara County Probation, and the Gun Violence Task Force," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. "Doing more means less - fewer guns, less violence, and fewer criminals on the streets."

Anyone with information about this case or similar cases is asked to contact Detective Epperson #4554 of the San José Police Gun and Hazardous Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) via email: 4554@sanjoseca.gov or 408-537-3835.

The apprehension of one of California's most prolific and dangerous firearms traffickers was made possible with the support of various outstanding units with the San José Police Department, as well as partner law enforcement agencies. We would like to acknowledge the Santa Clara County Adult Probation Office, the Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), for their collaborative efforts. 

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.