Evergreen Reporter

Six men are set to make their initial appearances this afternoon in a federal court, facing allegations of conducting a nine-month burglary spree across Southern California. The criminal complaint accuses them of using stolen vehicles to ram into firearms stores and stealing over 300 firearms.

The defendants, currently held in state custody, are charged with conspiracy to steal firearms from federally licensed firearm dealers. They are expected to appear in the United States District Court in Santa Ana. The accused individuals are:

- Cross Arjay Goree, also known as “C3,” 18, of Lake Elsinore

- Caine Aiden Goree, 22, of Lake Elsinore

- Kenneth Gilmore III, also known as “Kenny,” 19, of Las Vegas

- Brendan Markel Hawkins, 19, of Lake Elsinore

- Calvin Logan Gray, 18, of Murietta

- Kendall Eric Johnson, also known as “K3,” 23, of Lake Elsinore

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, the defendants burglarized or attempted to burglarize nine firearms stores. They allegedly used stolen vehicles to break into storefronts and then fled with the stolen firearms in other stolen vehicles. The affected stores include:

- Chaparral Coin and Gun in Murrieta on October 9, 2023 (43 firearms stolen)

- Poway Weapons and Gear in Poway on March 25, 2024 (78 firearms stolen)

- Ammo Bros in Ontario on June 12, 2024 (attempted)

- Fallbrook Guns and Ammo in Fallbrook on June 13, 2024 (attempted)

- Firearms Unknown in Oceanside on June 17, 2024 (33 firearms stolen)

- Ammo Bros in Riverside on June 18, 2024 (25 firearms stolen)

- Camarillo Gun Store in Camarillo on July 1, 2024 (63 firearms stolen)

- Smokin Barrel Gun Store in Simi Valley on July 9, 2024 (attempted)

- Fowler’s Gun Room in Orange on July 13, 2024 (70 firearms stolen)

The affidavit states that the stolen firearms were sold on the black market and discovered during separate criminal investigations.

On July 13th law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at a residence believed to house Cross Arjay Goree and others. Officers reportedly observed Gilmore and Cross fleeing but later detained them. During the search officers found several stolen firearms including those from Poway Weapons and Gear Chaparral Coin and Gun Camarillo Gun Store and Fowler’s Gun Room.

Arraignment is expected within weeks.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation; each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted each defendant faces up to ten years imprisonment.

The investigation involves multiple agencies including ATF Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Riverside County Sheriff’s Office San Diego Sheriff’s Department and Orange Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brittney M. Harris and Kyle W. Kahan are prosecuting the case.