Ghost Guns & Silencers: 9+ Years for Mass. Man

⏱ 3 min read

Nicholas Kingsley, 42, of Agawam, Massachusetts, is headed to federal prison for over nine years after a Homeland Security Investigation blew the lid on his operation. The feds busted Kingsley for stockpiling illegal firearms, silencers, and parts to turn ordinary guns into machine guns. The case unfolded in Hartford, Connecticut, with sentencing handed down today by Judge Michael P. Shea.

The investigation began with flagged packages arriving at Kingsley’s home containing machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) and silencers, shipped from China. Customs agents found three silencers and four MCDs in one intercepted package. A subsequent raid on his Agawam residence turned up a small amount of narcotics, though no guns at the time. Kingsley was initially arrested on state drug charges and released.

But the investigation didn’t stop there. Enfield Police pulled over the vehicle Kingsley was riding in and found three untraceable “ghost guns,” another silencer, an extended magazine, a Glock MCD, and 45 rounds of ammo. Then, a search of his vehicle in Agawam revealed a full-blown armory: 14 firearms, more Glock MCDs, magazines, body armor, and around 3,000 rounds of ammunition. His phone records confirmed purchases of MCDs and conversations with a Chinese company about ordering more.

Kingsley wasn’t a first-timer. Court records show a lengthy rap sheet with prior felony convictions for drugs, firearms, assault, and larceny. As a convicted felon, possessing any of this firepower was a federal offense. He’ll serve 110 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.