2 deputies face weapons charges

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif.

Federal prosecutors announced charges Friday against two Sacramento County deputy sheriffs accused of illegally selling dozens of weapons, some of which authorities say fell into the hands of criminals.

Deputies Ryan McGowan, 31, and Thomas Lu, 42, both of Elk Grove, face charges of trafficking in handguns that cannot be legally bought by citizens in California, including some exotic weapons such as high-powered rifles mounted on pistol frames.

Also charged were firearms dealer Robert Snellings, 61, and Ulysses Simpson Grant Early IV, 36, who is accused of buying guns.