Brothers arrested in Monterey County for allegedly manufacturing guns

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said two people were arrested and 45 guns were confiscated after an agricultural crime investigation led to an investigation into gun manufacturing.

Detectives served a search warrant in the 500 block of McAllister Street Tuesday as part of the investigation. They said they found more than 15 guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and evidence that the suspect there, 44-year-old James Lauderdale, was manufacturing guns. Lauderdale was arrested.

Later that day, investigators served a search warrant on Monteclaire Place in the Prunedale Area at his brother's home. Detectives said they found more than 20 guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and evidence that 55-year-old Robert Lauderdale was manufacturing guns. Robert Lauderdale turned himself in Wednesday at the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said guns in both places were stolen during a residential burglary in Salinas. The guns ranged from pistols to fully automatic rifles.

Both brothers were arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on weapons-related charges. The Sheriff's Office said there is no evidence that they were planning an attack.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Jason Sullivan at 831-759-7279 or Det. Sgt. David Vargas at 831-755-3771.