Home Contra Costa County John King Arraigned on Illegal Gun Possession Charges

John King Arraigned on Illegal Gun Possession Charges

Press Release

by ECT
District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Clayton resident John Michael King was arraigned today in Martinez on two felony counts for possession of assault weapons and one felony count for manufacturing or assembling an unregistered firearm.

Mr. King entered a plea of not guilty.

The 54-year-old former volunteer with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office was under investigation for possessing illegal firearms. In early January 2022, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, along with state and federal authorities, seized 132 guns from King’s home after serving him with a search warrant. Authorities also found equipment used to manufacture unregistered firearms — or ghost guns — on his property.

Ghost guns are made using do-it-yourself kits where the components needed to make handguns or rifles are almost complete. Those who buy the kits are often supplied instructions and parts to complete the manufacturing of fully functional firearms. These untraceable weapons often do not have unique serial numbers as required by California law (PC31900-321000).

King illegally manufactured or assembled a .22 caliber rifle and possessed a .223 assault rifle and a .556 pistol. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 29th, 2022 at 8:30 am in Martinez.

The People of the State of California v. John Michael King, Docket Number: 0131046493

  • Count 1 – Possession of an Assault Weapon – PC30605(a)
  • Count 2 – Possession of an Assault Weapon – PC30605(a)
  • Count 3 – Manufacture or Assemble of Unregistered Firearm PC29180(g)

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