Ex-San Diego sheriff’s captain arrested for illegal gun ring

Gun trafficking, marijuana distribution, and lying to agents

Former San Diego County Sheriff's captain Marco Gamo was arrested this morning for running an illegal gun trafficking operation.

Gamo was a Sheriff's deputy for nearly 27 years, serving as the caption of the station until search warrants were issued in February.

The indictment alleges that Gamo unlawfully acquired, transferred, and sold firearms during his entire tenure as Captain.

He is also accused of involvement within unlicensed marijuana dispensaries. He is suspected of lying to officers about his involvement.

Gamo ran his business from his office at the Rancho San Diego Station with the help of others, including a fellow sheriff's officer.

Also charged were Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Fred Magana, San Diego Jeweler Leo Hamel, firearms dealer Giovanni Tilotta and El Cajon resident Waiel Anton

They have been charged with aiding and abetting. Tilotta is currently at large.

Investigations show that Gamo ran his operations for financial profit, and to cultivate future donors for his future Sheriff campaign.

Most of the guns involved were intended only for law enforcement use.

His operation sold over 100 guns between March 2013 and February 2019.

“Law enforcement officers, at any level, who abuse their positions and the sacred trust placed in them by the communities they serve by aiding the criminal element will ultimately be brought to justice,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent-In-Charge Todd Hemmen.

“The FBI will continue to relentlessly work to detect, investigate, and prosecute those officers who place personal enrichment above their allegiance to the rule of law.”