Tucson Gunsmith Arrested for Illegal Glock Conversions

TUCSON, Ariz. – Damien Jax Schaffer, 45, a Tucson-based gunsmith, was busted on June 24, 2025, by ATF special agents for manufacturing and selling illegal machinegun conversion devices for Glocks. This brazen move marks another significant victory in the ongoing war against gun trafficking.

According to court documents, Schaffer, between May 8 and June 24 of this year, manufactured and sold 15 such conversion devices. These devices effectively turn semi-automatic firearms into machineguns, capable of unleashing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. A federal crime, the possession of these conversion devices is a serious offense that requires them to be registered with the ATF.

Upon discovering Schaffer’s activities, ATF agents queried the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and found his devices were not registered. Furthermore, it was uncovered that Schaffer did not possess the required federal license to sell firearms. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

This arrest is a part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative aimed at eradicating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and safeguarding communities from violent crime. ATF’s work in this investigation showcases their commitment to maintaining public safety.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint does not imply guilt, as an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by evidence presented to a jury.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is now handling the prosecution of this case. ATF continues its investigation while the community awaits justice in this dangerous weapons trafficking case.

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