James R. Kraus, Gun Charges, Illinois 2024

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – James R. Kraus, II, 42, of Altamont, Illinois, is facing a barrage of federal firearms charges after allegedly flouting laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Authorities say Kraus illegally possessed and manufactured weapons, including a fully automatic firearm, despite a prior conviction that prohibits him from owning any.

According to charging documents unsealed Friday, the ATF, with assistance from multiple federal agencies, alleges Kraus possessed “dozens” of firearms as recently as November 2023. The indictment details one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of illegal importation of a firearm. The feds are going after everything Kraus owns related to this operation.

“Individuals with domestic violence and other abusive convictions cannot lawfully possess firearms due to the increased safety risks to our communities, and offenders will be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. The government is seeking to seize nine commercially manufactured firearms, seven silencers, and thousands of rounds of ammunition from Kraus. They aren’t stopping there, though.

The indictment further accuses Kraus of manufacturing unregistered firearms – commonly known as “ghost guns” – using a 3D printer. If convicted, authorities intend to confiscate 11 privately made firearms, including four pistols and seven rifles, along with the 3D printer and other tools used in their creation. ATF Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge, Bernard Hansen, warned that such privately made firearms are notoriously difficult to trace, and converting guns to automatic weapons is a “tremendous threat.”

“Manufacturing devices to convert firearms to automatic weapons is a tremendous threat to our communities,” Hansen stated. “Identifying and prosecuting persons unlawfully converting and possessing machine guns, as well as unregistered silencers, is a focus of the ATF.” Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly added that his agency “is committed to ensuring those who are prohibited from possessing a firearm don’t have guns illegally.”

An indictment is not a conviction. Kraus is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if found guilty on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The investigation is ongoing, led by the ATF with support from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi is prosecuting the case.

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