Threats Investigation Leads to Arrest & Seizure of 81 Firearms 

August 28, 2026 – Modesto Police Department officials report that a month-long investigation into threatening communications has resulted in the arrest of a Ceres man and the seizure of 81 firearms.

Detectives with the Modesto Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit conducted an extensive investigation involving multiple search warrants and the review of digital evidence. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Francis Joseph Haidar, 73, of Ceres, as the suspect.

The investigation began in July after MPD was contacted regarding threatening emails received by a local professional. Detectives determined the messages had been sent from a fictitious email account using the identity of a local attorney who was not involved in sending the communications.

As the investigation continued, detectives identified additional online activity containing threatening and hostile statements directed toward members of the local legal and law enforcement communities, including broad threats toward attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and police officers.

Investigators also determined Haidar had numerous firearms registered to him. Based on the totality of the information developed during the investigation, detectives sought and obtained a Gun Violence Restraining Order, as well as a search warrant for Haidar’s Ceres residence.

On August 24, members of the Modesto Police Department served the search warrant and Gun Violence Restraining Order. During a search of Haidar’s residence, investigators located 81 firearms, including 15 firearms determined to meet the legal definition of assault weapons. Detectives also located two inert grenades, as well as additional evidence related to the threatening communications investigation.

Haidar was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on 15 counts of possession of an assault weapon in violation of California Penal Code 30605.

"This case demonstrates the importance of taking threats seriously and thoroughly investigating them before they have the opportunity to escalate," said Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie. "Our detectives followed a complex digital trail and ultimately removed a significant number of firearms from a potentially dangerous situation. I am extremely proud of the relentless drive demonstrated by our team."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Trevethan at 209-342-6122.

Source: Modesto Police Department