Fullerton Man Indicted on Felony Offense for Manufacture and Sale of Firearms

A Fullerton man was indicted in federal court this week in connection with the illegal manufacture and sale of firearms, both completed and in parts, at his La Habra business.

Joseph Roh, 46, was indicted on Thursday with one count of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Authorities allege that Roh, through his business of ROHG Industries in Orange County, began with unfinished parts called lower receivers for AR-15-style firearms. He and his employees would finish the receivers with tools they kept on the premises.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Roh tried to avoid licensing requirements by requiring each customer to play a role in the process, “which often meant merely pushing a button,” while company employees did the rest.

“Additionally, Roh would, if the customer wanted, assemble the rest of the firearm by adding ... other necessary parts to the lower receiver,” the statement said.

While the sale of unfinished lower receivers is legal, once they are completed a license is required, officials said.

Former customers on Calguns.net reacting to the news wrote that they had noticed Roh and his employees walking into the back of the store and coming back with a fully completed firearm, some of whom also complained about the quality of products they were sold.