Lincoln Man Sentenced for Running Ghost Gun Operation

Lincoln, NE – In a shocking display of brazen disregard for the law, 35-year-old Spenser Ware, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for running a ghost gun operation that sold firearms to individuals who could not legally purchase them.

A federal investigation, led by the Lincoln Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that spanned years. Ware, the owner of his own security company, admitted to ordering gun parts and assembling the firearms himself, which were then sold to those who were prohibited from owning them.

The investigation turned up a stash of illicit firearms, including five non-serialized “ghost guns” with short barrels, 12 receivers, high-capacity magazines, body armor, over 1,800 rounds of ammunition in different calibers, and firearm assembly equipment. Ware’s phone was also found to contain multiple images of firearms dating back to 2021.

But what makes this case particularly egregious is that Ware has a history of felony convictions in Florida, which should have automatically disqualified him from possessing firearms. The fact that he continued to operate his ghost gun operation despite this knowledge is a clear indication of his blatant disregard for the law.

The case was investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community organizations. The program’s core principles include fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Ware’s sentence marks a significant victory for law enforcement and the community, who have long been fighting against the scourge of gun violence. As Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Ware to 42 months in prison, he made it clear that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.

After serving his prison sentence, Ware will be required to serve a 3-year term of supervised release. The case serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement will not tolerate such brazen disregard for the law and will continue to work tirelessly to keep communities safe.