A former federal firearm licensee has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for firearms charges in Massachusetts.
Max T. Gaj, 30, of Belchertown, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark D. Mastroianni on September 2020 in federal court in Springfield for receipt and possession of unregistered firearms, receipt and possession of National Firearm Act (NFA) firearms not identified by serial number, making a firearm in violation of the NFA, selling firearms in violation of state and local laws, and making false entries in, failing to make appropriate entries in, and failing to properly maintain records as required.
Gaj, who was a federal firearms licensee and part owner of Dark Horse Gunsmithing in South Hadley, received and possessed three firearms: a machinegun, a machinegun bearing no serial number and a shotgun. The firearms were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by the NFA. Gaj also made a machinegun in violation of the NFA.
Additionally, Gaj sold two firearms, a Glock Model 17 pistol and a Glock Model 43 pistol in violation of state law. Gaj also made false entries, failed to make appropriate entries and failed to properly maintain records as required of a federal firearms licensee.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Max T. Gaj, a former federal firearm licensee, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for various firearm charges and record-keeping violations. Gaj, 30, of Belchertown, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
The case highlights the importance of proper record-keeping and compliance with firearms laws. Gaj’s actions put public safety at risk and demonstrate the need for vigilance in enforcing these laws.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, played a key role in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Related Federal Cases
- Viviane Cazeau, Bank Fraud Scheme, Massachusetts, 2023 · New Hampshire
- Darnell C. Butcher, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Crack Cocai… · Ohio
- Cedric Cromwell, Major Drug Trafficking, Massachusetts, 2020 · Massachusetts
- Carla Douglas Conigliaro, Cash-Withdrawal Scheme, Massachusetts 2023 · Washington
- Charles Benoit, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2010 · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
