CAMPBELL, Calif. (KGO) — The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Gun Violence Task Force is celebrating the dismantling of what they call a ghost gun factory in Campbell. A 28-year-old man is now facing more than 30 felonies for possessing and creating ghost guns, as well as devices designed to make standard weapons even more deadly.
3D printers have revolutionized manufacturing, but when they’re used to produce unregistered weapons—known as ghost guns—law enforcement says they present a significant threat to the community.
During a routine domestic violence probation check-in, investigators uncovered an operation that was anything but normal. Campbell resident Alfred Amaya, 28, is at the center of the case after authorities found him actively manufacturing devices that convert rifles and handguns into automatic weapons using a 3D printer inside his bedroom closet.
“These 3D printers are items that are easily kept in a person’s home, and that is what makes them so challenging for law enforcement,” said Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Mike Vidmar. “Whether he was possessing for sales or simply as a possession item, these are public safety risks.”
Amaya, who is already on probation for domestic violence charges, is now facing more than 30 felony charges and is being held on a $1.75 million bail.
The devices Amaya was allegedly 3D printing include “switches” that turn firearms into machine guns—items recently made illegal under a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This law prohibits the sale of firearms easily transformed into automatic weapons with the use of such switches.
Residents expressed concern over the presence of unregulated ghost guns in the community. “If the people owning guns, they’re regulated and they have to register,” said local resident Phuong Pham. “But these people, they can print it at home and there’s no regulation and no one can stop them from doing bad things.”
Alongside the 30 switches, two ghost guns and ammunition were found in an area accessible to two children, leading to additional child endangerment charges.
Amaya’s mother told ABC7 News that her son is not a violent person and called the charges and accusations “shocking.”
Deputy District Attorney Vidmar praised the gun violence task force for their work. “Any time we can remove these items from persons who have the ability to carry them into the public setting, our community is a safer place,” he said.
Alfred Amaya is scheduled to return to court for his plea hearing on the morning of November 19.
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**Related:**
– [How Santa Clara County authorities are utilizing red flag laws to combat gun violence](#)
– [Judge upholds San Jose’s ordinance requiring gun owners to have liability insurance](#)
– [Supreme Court upholds federal regulations on ghost gun kits](#)
https://abc7news.com/post/santa-clara-county-da-gun-task-force-dismantles-ghost-factory-campbell/18028685/
