DADE CITY, FL – Stewart Walter Bachmann, 55, of Dade City, Florida, has admitted to federal crimes related to the unlawful possession of machine guns, according to court documents unsealed Monday. Bachmann pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 4th.
The case began to unravel on August 5, 2023, when the Pasco Sheriff’s Office received a bizarre 911 call from Bachmann himself. Dispatchers were told Bachmann was being “held hostage” and would be “put under” by individuals capable of traversing the “5th dimension.” The rambling call escalated with claims of an impending event “like 9/11” and the presence of an invisible person in his vehicle. Deputies responding to the scene near the Tampa Premium Outlet Mall were then confronted with a disturbing allegation: Bachmann claimed the CIA was plotting a politically motivated mass shooting at the mall, though he admitted he wasn’t certain if he was meant to be the shooter.
A subsequent search of Bachmann’s residence, conducted by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), revealed a disturbing cache of weaponry. While several registered firearms were discovered, investigators also found an AR-15 type rifle – a RAK15 – illegally modified with an automatic sear. This modification transformed the semi-automatic rifle into a fully automatic machine gun. Critically, the weapon wasn’t registered in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, and hadn’t been given a new serial number after the illegal modification, marking it as unlawfully possessed.
The search wasn’t limited to the modified rifle. Law enforcement also uncovered a machine gun conversion device, specifically designed to convert a standard semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic one. This device, like the rifle, was also unregistered and lacked a serial number. The combination of these findings painted a clear picture of deliberate, illegal firearm modification and possession. Bachmann’s initial erratic statements to law enforcement only deepened the gravity of the situation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Newman is prosecuting the case, with forfeiture proceedings handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Muench. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the ATF and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. This case is being touted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) initiative, a nationwide program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community-based law enforcement.
The PSN program, relaunched in 2021, focuses on fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, supporting local violence prevention organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. However, critics argue that such programs often fail to address the root causes of violence and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Regardless, Bachmann now faces a significant prison sentence for his actions, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegally modified and unregistered firearms.
Related Federal Cases
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons