Ghost Gun Gangster Sentenced: Brown Gets 44 Months

A Las Vegas resident has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a ‘ghost gun’ after prior felony convictions.

Justin Edward Brown (37), a Las Vegas resident, pleaded guilty in February 2024 to one-count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey.

According to court documents and admissions made by Brown in court, on June 14, 2022, he possessed a privately manufactured 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol incorporating a Polymer80 lower receiver and ammunition. This is a ‘ghost gun,’ a privately manufactured firearm that lacks a serial number.

Brown had previously been convicted of possession of a firearm by ex-felon in May 2014; assault with a deadly weapon in February 2013; and prohibited person in possession of a firearm in May 2018, all in Clark County, Nev. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Those with information about illegal firearms activity are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.