San Jose Teen Charged for Alleged 3D Printed Ghost Gun Manufacturing

Authorities seized over 2 dozen unregistered firearms from the 18-year-old's bedroom.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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An 18-year-old San Jose resident named Jacob Reyes is facing criminal charges for allegedly using 3D printers to manufacture ghost guns in his bedroom. Police seized 27 finished or nearly finished firearms, some of which were modified to function as machine guns, along with ammunition from Reyes' home.

Why it matters

The proliferation of ghost guns, or untraceable firearms without serial numbers, has become a growing concern for law enforcement as they are increasingly used in crimes. This case highlights the ease with which individuals can now produce their own firearms at home using 3D printing technology.

The details

According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, Reyes had two working 3D weapon printers in his bedroom and was allegedly manufacturing the ghost guns using these devices. All of the weapons seized from his room, except one, were produced with the 3D printers. Some of the guns were also modified to function as machine guns, which are illegal for civilians to possess.

  • On February 25, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at Reyes' residence in San Jose.
  • Reyes was arraigned on February 27, 2026 on charges related to the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using a 3D printer and felony possession of a machine gun.

The players

Jacob Reyes

An 18-year-old San Jose resident who is facing criminal charges for allegedly manufacturing ghost guns in his bedroom using 3D printers.

Jeff Rosen

The Santa Clara County District Attorney who stated that the case shows there is a "black market of weapons thriving right under our noses" and that law enforcement has taken "an arsenal of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons" off the streets.

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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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

If convicted, Reyes faces potential prison time for the charges related to the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using a 3D printer and felony possession of a machine gun.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat posed by ghost guns, which can be easily produced at home using 3D printing technology, and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to address the proliferation of these untraceable firearms.