A Youngstown man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Massachusetts Wednesday in connection with "multiple sales of firearms transported from Ohio to Massachusetts," according to a release from U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley.

Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr. has been indicted on one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sanchez was arrested January 8 and is still in federal custody.

According to the release, officers tracked Sanchez's dealings back to at least June 2025 and deals as recent as January 2026. In June 2025, Sanchez — who is not licensed to deal firearms — allegedly sold three firearms in an exchange for $4,000.

Sanchez was also recorded selling four more firearms to the same person for another $8,500. He was arrested at the scene. Officers reported recovering an AR-style pistol equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a rifle equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a loaded pistol equipped with an extended magazine; and an additional loaded pistol. 

If convicted, the felony charge of possession of firearms and ammunition can lead to a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The unlawful trafficking of firearms charge could mean another five years in prison for Sanchez, if convicted, and another fine of up to $250,000.