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‘Hit Kit’ Kingpin Miller Gets 10 Years for Ghost Gun Scheme
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Harry Miller, 48, of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, is headed to federal prison for a decade after being sentenced for a brazen scheme to manufacture and sell untraceable “hit kits” containing ghost guns, silencers, and other dangerous components. U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines handed down the 120-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, following Miller’s guilty pleas and those of his co-defendants.
The operation, uncovered by federal investigators, involved the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of privately made firearms – commonly known as ghost guns – between May 2022 and April 2023. Miller partnered with retired police detective Craig Zahradnik, who allegedly provided $30,000 in funding over ten months, and Wayne Farabaugh, who allowed Miller access to machinery at his workplace to drill firearm components. Miller used the funds to purchase parts from out of state, then repaid Zahradnik with the profits from gun sales.
These weren’t just any firearms. Miller actively marketed “hit kits” consisting of a 9-millimeter Polymer80 handgun – stripped of any serial number for untraceability – a threaded barrel designed for a silencer, the silencer itself, specialized subsonic ammunition, and even latex gloves. The intent, prosecutors argued, was to provide buyers with a complete, untraceable package for illegal activity. Farabaugh’s role extended to assisting in the manufacturing of not only ghost guns but also other illegal weapon components, including silencers, machineguns, and short-barrel rifles – all requiring federal registration but deliberately kept off the books.
Zahradnik wasn’t just a financier; he actively participated in the trafficking, transporting the “hit kits” and other firearms to and from Miller for scheduled buys. In March 2023, he even directly transferred a firearm and ammunition to Miller, knowing it would be used to further criminal activity. Both Zahradnik and Farabaugh admitted they knew Miller was a convicted felon, legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. Miller pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun, illegal trafficking in firearms, and unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms.
“Harry Miller, a convicted felon who could not lawfully possess a firearm, made tens of thousands of dollars manufacturing and selling ‘hit kits’ containing untraceable ghost guns, silencers, ammunition, and latex gloves,” stated U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. “Today’s 10-year sentence reflects the egregiousness of Miller’s illicit business, which saw untraceable firearms distributed throughout our western Pennsylvania community.” Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division, added, “Miller’s criminal activities fueled the violence in our communities, and the firearms he trafficked will remain a threat for years.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential additional co-conspirators and the ultimate destination of the untraceable firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, highlighting the agency’s focus on disrupting firearms trafficking and holding those responsible accountable. The sentence sends a clear message: profiting from illegal guns will result in serious federal penalties.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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