Tulare County Man, Linked to Norteño Gang, Sentenced for Manufacturing Explosives

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 3 weeks ago on

April 29, 2025

A Porterville man and Norteño gang member was sentenced Monday, April 28, 2025, to nearly six years in prison for manufacturing 3D-printed explosives and possessing an unregistered silencer. (Department of Justice)

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A Porterville man affiliated with the Norteño gang was sentenced Monday to nearly six years in federal prison for manufacturing explosive devices — including two made with a 3D printer — and possessing an unregistered silencer, officials said.

Joseph Marcus Silva, 28, was sentenced to five years and 11 months by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.

Federal prosecutors said Silva, a convicted felon and member of the Norteño subset Varrio Central Poros, used a 3D printer to manufacture two destructive devices: one resembling a military-style claymore mine inscribed with the phrase “FRONT TOWARDS ENEMY,” and another similar to an M67 grenade.

He also created a third device using a glass tube filled with flash powder, BBs, and a fuse.

In addition to the explosives, Silva admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer that had previously been used. Authorities also found nine firearms in his possession, including six orange and gray 3D-printed frames.

The sentencing is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by coordinating efforts across federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.