Thomas Develin, Manufacturing Machineguns, Ohio 2022

COLUMBUS, OH – Thomas Develin, 25, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to building and peddling “ghost guns” – untraceable firearms constructed with 3D printers – and converting legal weapons into illegal machine guns. The guilty plea, entered in federal court today, reveals a dangerous individual with a penchant for extremism and a blatant disregard for the law.

Court documents paint a disturbing picture of Develin, who not only profited from the sale of illegal firearms but also allegedly posted antisemitic and violent statements online while working security at local synagogues and Jewish schools. Develin confessed to creating ghost guns specifically for resale, as well as manufacturing and possessing illegal conversion devices capable of turning semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns. He knowingly sold firearms he knew were illegal.

Federal investigators discovered Develin advertising 3D-printed sears – devices used to convert semi-automatic rifles into fully automatic weapons – online. These devices qualify as “machineguns” under federal law, carrying a hefty penalty. Texts recovered from Develin’s phone revealed he’d also manufactured a short-barreled firearm, illegal due to its overall length of under 26 inches. The investigation took a darker turn when a search of Develin’s vehicle on March 31 uncovered night vision goggles, ballistic plates, a ballistic helmet, first aid gear, and a substantial quantity of ammunition, including loaded magazines.

Subsequent searches of Develin’s residence and vehicle in March and April 2022 yielded over 25 firearms. But the arsenal wasn’t the only cause for alarm. Agents also discovered two manuals detailing the construction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As law enforcement closed in, Develin attempted to cover his tracks, traveling to a remote location to hide and destroy illegal firearm parts, and communicating with an associate about destroying incriminating evidence. These actions constitute obstruction of justice.

Develin is also facing charges in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, including making terroristic threats, which remain pending. The case was a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, the ATF’s Columbus Field Division, the Columbus Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Jessica W. Knight are prosecuting the case.

Illegally manufacturing firearms and engaging in the business of making machine guns carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Manufacturing and dealing in any firearms without a license is punishable by up to five years behind bars. U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker and ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick announced the guilty plea, marking a significant step in combating the growing threat of untraceable firearms and extremist activity in the region. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also contributed to the announcement.

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