Jacob Matthew Martz, 41, of Sharpsburg, Maryland, is facing federal charges after law enforcement uncovered a cache of illegal firearms at his residence — including weapons and conversion devices capable of turning rifles into fully automatic machineguns. A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Martz on November 4, 2021, which was unsealed yesterday following his arrest.
The indictment, filed in Baltimore, Maryland, charges Martz with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a machinegun. According to court documents, on October 6, 2021, Martz was in illegal possession of 16 firearms: six pistols, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .410 shotgun, and eight rifles. As a previously convicted felon with prior firearms offenses, Martz is barred under federal law from owning or possessing any firearm.
But the charges go beyond mere illegal possession. The indictment alleges Martz also possessed machinegun conversion devices — specifically, ‘drop in auto sears’ designed to convert AR-15 style rifles into fully automatic weapons. These devices are classified as machineguns under federal law, making their possession a serious felony, especially by someone with Martz’s criminal history.
Authorities from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed the investigation. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski, and ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. jointly announced the indictment. Federal prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of all 16 firearms upon conviction.
If convicted, Martz faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison on each count — 10 for being a felon in possession of firearms, and another 10 for possession of a machinegun. While actual sentences often fall below the maximum, the presence of conversion devices and multiple prohibited weapons signals a severe case in the eyes of federal prosecutors. A U.S. district judge will weigh sentencing guidelines and statutory factors at trial.
At his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Coulson ordered Martz released under supervision by U.S. Pretrial Services. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Austin is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the FBI and ATF for their investigative work.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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