Vegas Felon Points ‘Ghost Gun’ at Victim, Faces 15 Years

LAS VEGAS – Noel Lynn Waters, a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history, admitted in federal court today to illegally possessing a privately made AR-15-pattern pistol – commonly known as a “ghost gun” – and brandishing it during a threat of violence. The incident, which occurred around October 20, 2023, adds another layer to Waters’ already substantial record of felony convictions.

Court documents reveal Waters possessed a loaded, 5.56x45mm semi-automatic pistol constructed without a serial number. But possession wasn’t the extent of his actions. He allegedly pointed the weapon at another individual, ominously declaring his intent to “shoot everybody.” This brazen act of intimidation quickly brought him to the attention of federal authorities.

Waters’ past is riddled with convictions. In Clark County, Nevada, he was previously found guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Further digging revealed a string of offenses in Los Angeles County, including possession of controlled substances for sale, unlawful possession of tear gas, multiple firearm violations while a convicted felon, and transportation of narcotics. All of these prior convictions legally barred him from owning any firearms.

He pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars. While sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, before United States District Judge James C. Mahan, the final determination will be based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Don’t expect leniency.

The case was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper of the ATF’s San Francisco Field Division jointly announced the guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is handling the prosecution.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding illegal firearms activity to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the ATF via phone at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email at ATFTips@atf.gov, or anonymously through the website www.reportit.com. The streets of Las Vegas—and beyond—are safer when these dangerous weapons are kept out of the wrong hands.