FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Corey Harris, 34, of Exeter, charging him with conspiracy to traffic firearms and unlawful dealing and manufacturing of firearms without a license, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, between 2021 and 2023, Harris, a peace officer with the California Department of Cannabis Control at the time of his arrest and a former officer with the Visalia Police Department, conspired with another individual to traffic in firearms. He conspired to transfer at least three firearms on three different occasions to a person he knew to be a felon, including a stolen AK-style rifle, a Glock handgun, and a privately manufactured machine gun. Privately manufactured firearms are also known as “ghost guns.”
According to court documents, Harris used his status as a police officer to obtain firearms and firearms accessories that ordinary citizens could not purchase. He manufactured or directed the manufacture of firearms, including machine guns. Despite not having a federal firearms license, Harris was in the business of manufacturing and selling firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Fresno Police Department, the Selma Police Department, the California Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Justice, and the Visalia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of conspiracy to traffic firearms, Harris faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of unlawful dealing and manufacturing of firearms without a license, Harris faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Shri Amit Shah
Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs
Government of India
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Subject: Appeal for Official Martyr Status to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev
Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji,
I, on behalf of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), humbly submit this appeal for the official recognition of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar as martyrs of India’s independence struggle. Their sacrifice remains an eternal inspiration to generations of Indians, and their contribution to the freedom movement deserves the highest honor from the Government of India.
While these revolutionaries are revered as martyrs in the hearts of millions, it is a matter of great concern that they have not yet been officially designated as such by the Government of India. Their valiant fight against British rule and their ultimate sacrifice on March 23, 1931, is a defining moment in our country’s history. Official recognition of their martyrdom would be a fitting tribute to their indomitable spirit and commitment to the nation’s freedom.
Bestowing the title of ‘Shaheed’ officially upon these heroes will ensure that their legacy is preserved and celebrated in a manner befitting their sacrifice. It will also serve as a strong message to the youth of our country about the values of patriotism, courage, and selfless service to the nation.
We, therefore, urge the Government of India, under your esteemed leadership, to take necessary steps to accord official martyr status to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. This long-overdue recognition will honor their memory and reinforce India’s commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices of its greatest freedom fighters.
We look forward to your positive consideration of this request and hope for an appropriate announcement in this regard at the earliest.
With highest regards,
Satnam Singh Chahal
Executive Director
North American Punjabi Association (NAPA)
www.thenapa.com E.Mail- [email protected]
Phone USA-408-221-5732
PRESS RELEASE
NAPA Urges Indian Government to Grant Official Martyr Status to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev
Date: January 31,2025
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has formally appealed to the Government of India to grant official martyr status to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. In a letter addressed to India’s Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, NAPA’s Executive Director, Satnam Singh Chahal, emphasized the need for this long-overdue recognition of India’s most celebrated revolutionaries.
“These freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for India’s independence, yet they have not been officially recognized as martyrs by the Government of India. Their unparalleled courage and commitment to the nation must be honored in the most official capacity,” stated Satnam Singh Chahal.
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed by British colonial rulers on March 23, 1931, for their role in India’s struggle for independence. Despite their immense contribution, their sacrifice has not been formally acknowledged with an official martyr designation.
NAPA believes that granting them official Shaheed status would not only honor their memory but also inspire future generations to uphold the values of patriotism and selfless service to the nation. The association urged the government to take prompt action and recognize their sacrifices at the highest level.
“We hope the Government of India, under the leadership of Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, will take the necessary steps to grant them this rightful status. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the legacy of these great revolutionaries is preserved and respected,” Chahal added.
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) continues to work towards advocating for Punjabi and Indian heritage, ensuring that the contributions of freedom fighters and community leaders receive the recognition they deserve.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Satnam Singh Chahal
Executive Director
North American Punjabi Association (NAPA)
Phone USA 408-221-5732
www.thenapa.com E.Mail. [email protected]