A Phoenix man was sentenced to prison this week after guns he purchased for another person were used in a California shooting of two Jewish community members.

Eric Celaya, 30, of Phoenix, was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to eight months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. Celaya pleaded guilt May 15 to making a material false statement during the purchase of a firearm, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Officials said Celaya purched two firearms on Jan. 19, 2023, in Tempe and filled out a Federal Firearms Licensee form saying they were for him. But officials said Celaya knew he was purchaing the guns on behalf of Jamie Tran, who he gave them to on Feb. 15, 2023.

A day later, Tran is alleged to have used those guns on to Jewish community members in California, which have been classified as hate crimes, according to the release.

Celaya had no prior criminal history and there was no evidence to show he was aware of Tran’s intentions or beliefs, the release stated.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.