So Ill give some more information thats been gathered since Im US-based and have been following the release of information.
Apparently he loaded up in full kit including NODs, armor, everything. Wore his old SG patch from his time in the 82nd. Took an Uber to his brother-in-law's store to defend it from looters. Saw the NG unit nearby, and this is where information starts to vary. The NG unit claims he walked up to them and stated that he was a part of their unit. They were instantly suspicious as this guy has about 40 grand in better equipment than NG get, his rifle was out of regs, NG dont get handguns and he had a tricked out one, and it wasnt a G17 or M17. So they start asking him questions about the unit, their CO, etc and he cant answer any of them. So they talk him into handing over his guns and hand him off to a LAPD unit as they arent sure what to do with him.
Then it gets interesting. So as some of you might know, California has the most anal gun laws in the US. I wont get into Second Amendment rights and all that, but lets just say Cali does not like guns. And to own a firearm in Cali you have to adhere to a very strict set of requirements. You can not bring external parts into Cali, you can not modify guns, etc. Apparently Spartans AR was modified, had parts that were non-California compliant, and there have been people saying he had a "ghost" lower. This has been said to be several things, from a 3D printed lower, to a polymer lower with the serial number removed.
So what are the various crimes committed here? Well, impersonating servicemen is Stolen Valor and a federal offense. Modifying a firearm is a state offense. Open carry is a state offense. And an illegal lower is a federal offense. Current estimates on his sentence really vary. Depending on the court and plea deal he may very well get away with a monetary fine and lose his ability to own a firearm (this is a guarantee of anyone convicted of a federal offense). Or, he could see up to a $60000 fine and up to 10 years total jail time, assuming sentences are concurrent. Courts often take a bit of leniency on Vets, but as its California they may very well try to bury him under the jail.
Now on to things we do not know but are rumored. First off, after his arrest police raided his home and found evidence of his attempts to modify and sell illegal firearms. This has not been confirmed, and there are many who say they simply rolled up to his house, saw his gun wall of airsoft, and figured "well we got him big this time". It wouldn't be the first time people have been arrested over airsoft. If that is the case they will eventually be identified as such and wont matter. If he was indeed modifying firearms with intent to sell then we have a whole 'nother problem here. Second is the rumor that some guardsmen said something along the lines of "hey Wong, youre a cool cat, why dont you come down and hang out with use at the barricade". Again, no proof this happened, but Ive heard it mentioned by several sources. In the end it doesn't really change much as common sense should have told him that would be a bad idea, plus above modified weapons and open carry issues. If its true it might lead to those NGs getting a bit of trouble but nothing major.
In the end, however, it was a very stupid thing to do. Unfortunately even if everything is dropped and he doesn't serve any time, he will be dropped by every company he works with, and will essentially have to find a new line of work. The reenactment groups he frequented have already started moving away from him, theres no doubt Magpul and the other firearm companies he speaks for will drop him, and the airsoft companies may very well do the same. He will be losing all his firearms and right to own a firearm, so thats all gone too. As my guys over at "A Very Serious Airsoft Podcast" said - "the best case scenario is that he was just very stupid."
