Mark Nepi, NFA Violation, Delaware 2023

WILMINGTON, Del. – Mark Nepi, 46, of Wilmington, is facing a long stretch behind bars after being sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for a blatant violation of the National Firearms Act. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika handed down the sentence on June 29, 2023, following an investigation that uncovered a disturbing cache of illegal weapons and explosives.

The case began to unravel in July 2022 when Delaware State Police initially arrested Nepi on charges related to illegal explosives. That arrest triggered a joint federal search warrant executed at his residence by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Delaware State Police. What they found wasn’t just a few firecrackers.

Investigators discovered eleven firearm silencers, a live grenade, and various components for constructing explosive devices. The search also yielded flash powder chemicals, remote firing devices, and switches – essentially, the building blocks for homemade bombs. Crucially, none of the eleven silencers were registered to Nepi as required by federal law, classifying them as illegal firearms under the National Firearms Act.

“Identifying and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess the weapons found in Mr. Nepi’s home is a priority for my office,” stated U.S. Attorney Davis C. Weiss. The sentiment was echoed by William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia, who highlighted the danger posed by the illicit import of these weapons and HSI’s dedication to disrupting the trade. ATF Baltimore Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Persails added that illegal firearms possession is often a precursor to violence.

Federal investigators are now looking into the origin of the materials seized from Nepi’s home. While details regarding the source of the explosives and silencers remain scarce, authorities believe Nepi was exploiting international shipping channels to obtain these dangerous items. The investigation underscores the ongoing challenge of stemming the flow of illegal weapons across borders.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Ruth Mandelbaum successfully prosecuted the case, demonstrating the coordinated effort between federal and state law enforcement. Court documents related to the case, including Case No. 23-44, are available on the District Court for the District of Delaware’s website and through PACER. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within our communities and the dedication of law enforcement to neutralizing those threats.

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