Alejandra Susana Castillo, a 34-year-old resident of Tracy, was sentenced to five years in prison for illegal firearms trafficking. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez.
Court documents show that between August 22, 2023, and August 27, 2024, Castillo and a co-conspirator purchased firearms in Nevada and sold them illegally in California. Because the co-conspirator is a convicted felon and could not buy firearms himself, he partnered with Castillo to make the purchases. They would visit gun dealers in Nevada together; the co-conspirator identified which firearms he wanted via text or other communications after entering the stores first and then leaving. Castillo, who at the time was not prohibited from purchasing guns, would enter next and buy the firearms as if they were for her own use.
Once they had obtained the firearms, Castillo and her co-conspirator transported them back to California and sold them unlawfully to people unable to purchase guns legally.
On July 27, 2024, law enforcement attempted to apprehend Castillo’s co-conspirator during a high-speed chase but stopped due to public safety concerns. Two days later, an officer saw the same car parked at a gas station and detained Castillo. During a search of the vehicle she was using, officers found a semi-automatic rifle in the trunk along with three extended magazines.
Investigators traced more than 30 firearms to this conspiracy. At least four of these weapons have since been recovered in connection with suspected firearm-related crimes. One firearm was found by California Highway Patrol officers on July 25, 2024—just three days after its purchase—in possession of a felon in Vallejo.
Castillo has been ordered to report to prison on November 1, 2025. Her co-conspirator remains in federal custody for a related case.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; California Highway Patrol; Pleasanton Police Department; Reno Police Department; Tracy Police Department; and San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who illegally traffic dangerous weapons into our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez.
