Lincoln Man Sentenced for Selling ‘Ghost Guns’ to Prohibited Buyers

A Lincoln man has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a brazen ‘ghost gun’ trafficking scheme that put the community at risk. Spenser Ware, 35, of Lincoln, was found to be manufacturing and selling unserialized firearms to individuals with felony convictions, rendering them ineligible to possess such weapons.

Ware, the owner of a local security company, was the mastermind behind the operation. Investigators received information in October 2023 that Ware was building and selling these illicit firearms. A search warrant was executed at his residence, where authorities uncovered a staggering cache of evidence, including five firearms, 12 receivers, high-capacity magazines, body armor, over 1,800 rounds of ammunition, and firearm assembly equipment.

The investigation, led by the Lincoln Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, revealed that Ware had been assembling the ‘ghost guns’ himself and selling them to prohibited buyers. An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives examined the firearms and ammunition and found that they were manufactured outside the State of Nebraska.

Ware’s actions were made possible by his prior felony convictions, which render him ineligible to possess firearms. The discovery of these illicit firearms and the subsequent investigation have raised concerns about the ease with which individuals can acquire these deadly weapons.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities nationwide. This initiative brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations to foster trust, support community-based initiatives, and set strategic enforcement priorities.

In a statement, United States Attorney Susan Lehr emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring public safety. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon concurred, sentencing Ware to 42 months in prison and a 3-year term of supervised release upon his release.

The sentencing of Spenser Ware serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated firearms and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes. As this case demonstrates, the consequences of such actions can be severe, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement and the community to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe.