San Jose Teen Charged with Manufacturing 'Ghost Gun' Arsenal

Prosecutors say the 18-year-old had 27 finished or near-finished guns in his bedroom, made possible by two 3D weapon printers.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Santa Clara County prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old San Jose resident, Jacob Reyes, with felony possession of a machine gun and unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using 3D printers. Authorities say Reyes had amassed an 'arsenal' of 27 finished or near-finished ghost guns in his bedroom, along with two working 3D weapon printers.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing problem of untraceable 'ghost guns' that can be easily manufactured at home using 3D printing technology, posing a significant public safety risk. Prosecutors say these types of illegal, homemade firearms are fueling a 'black market of weapons' in the region.

The details

During a search of Reyes' bedroom, authorities found his collection of 27 ghost guns, as well as two 3D printers that were being used to manufacture the firearms. Prosecutors also seized an illegal handgun that was believed to have been made using the 3D printers. Reyes is now facing felony charges related to the possession of a machine gun and the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms.

  • Reyes was expected to be arraigned on the charges on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Jacob Reyes

An 18-year-old San Jose resident who was charged with felony possession of a machine gun and unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using 3D printers.

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who charged Reyes with the felony crimes related to the ghost gun 'arsenal' found in his bedroom.

Jeff Rosen

The Santa Clara County District Attorney who stated that there is a 'black market of weapons thriving right under our noses' and that authorities have 'taken off the streets an arsenal of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons.'

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What they’re saying

“There is a black market of weapons thriving right under our noses. Once again, the DA's investigators and their law enforcement partners have taken off the streets an arsenal of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons.”

— Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County District Attorney

What’s next

Reyes is expected to be arraigned on the charges on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat posed by easily accessible 'ghost guns' that can be manufactured at home using 3D printing technology. It underscores the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to address the proliferation of these untraceable firearms, which are fueling a dangerous black market and posing a serious public safety risk.