Large seizure raises questions for owners about missing consignment guns
Stockton police announced the recovery of roughly 440 firearms from the home of a former licensed firearms dealer, authorities said. Investigators allege the dealer accepted guns on consignment and, in many instances, either failed to remit proceeds to owners or transferred the weapons without the owners’ knowledge or authorization.
The former dealer has been identified as Joseph Gogna, 33. Police said the recovered cache included about 20 assault weapons and two machine guns, along with ammunition, magazines and four suppressors. Authorities also noted they found firearms believed to have been stolen.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Stockton police in their investigation, which the department said revealed that a majority of the guns were consignment items — firearms that members of the public had entrusted to the dealer for sale.
“People were scammed out of their firearms because they entrusted this gentleman with their firearms, and they turned up missing or sold without their consent,”
said Sgt. Omer Edhah of the Stockton Police Department in comments provided to local media.
Allegations, charges and restrictions
Police said Gogna faces multiple charges, including firearms violations, possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment. Investigators also stated Gogna was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time they executed the search and made the recovery.
Authorities have urged anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact the Stockton Police Department and to provide as much documentation as possible to help identify and return property. Police listed examples of useful materials: receipts, firearm serial numbers, consignment paperwork, photographs and any communications with the dealer.
- Contact the Stockton Police Department if you believe your firearm or proceeds are missing.
- Gather consignment receipts, serial numbers, photos and correspondence related to any transaction.
- Be prepared to provide proof of ownership or consignment agreements to investigators.
Local owner reports vintage handgun missing after consignment
One local owner, identified in media reports as Pete Paulsen, said he had placed a family vintage P-38 pistol on consignment at Stockton Gun Exchange and had dealt directly with Gogna. Paulsen provided a receipt dated Nov. 13, 2024, showing the transaction and said he was told the pistol had been valued at $1,800 and that a buyer had been found. He said paperwork issues were cited as the reason a transfer had not been completed, but he has neither received the firearm nor payment.
“Your guess is as good as mine,”
Paulsen said when asked where the handgun might be now.
What the seizure means for Stockton residents
The scale of the recovery — and the finding that many guns were consignment items — could affect numerous people across Stockton who used consignment services to sell firearms. Consignment sales are commonly used by private owners who prefer not to handle transactions themselves, but this case highlights risks when a single dealer controls the process and possession of weapons.
Police are cataloging the recovered items and working to link firearms to owners using serial numbers and paperwork. The presence of items that may be stolen adds a potential law-enforcement follow-up for owners whose property was taken without consent.
Stockton residents who consigned firearms with Gogna or Stockton Gun Exchange, or who suspect a weapon has been transferred or sold without authorization, are encouraged to preserve any documentation and contact investigators promptly.
| Item | Count (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Recovered firearms (total) | 440 |
| Assault weapons | 20 |
| Machine guns | 2 |
| Suppressors | 4 |
Stockton police have not released a timeline for returning property or for additional charges. The department asked potential victims to provide any evidence they have that could help investigators reunite owners with firearms or proceeds. The ongoing investigation could have broad implications for local gun sellers and owners who rely on consignment arrangements.
