COLUMBUS, OH – Thomas Develin, 25, of Columbus, Ohio, will spend 71 months behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for manufacturing and selling illegal “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms created using 3D printing technology. Develin, a former member of the Ohio National Guard, also faces six years of supervised release following his imprisonment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
The case, investigated by the ATF and the FBI, revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal activity coupled with extremist rhetoric. Court documents show Develin wasn’t just building guns for profit; he was also posting antisemitic and violent statements online – all while providing security services at local synagogues and Jewish schools. This chilling juxtaposition highlights the potential danger posed by individuals with access to weapons and extremist ideologies.
Develin pleaded guilty in October 2022 to crafting ghost guns for sale, and to possessing devices that converted semi-automatic rifles and pistols into fully automatic machine guns – a clear violation of federal law. He actively advertised 3D-printed “sears” online, components designed to illegally transform AR-15 style rifles into fully automatic weapons. Investigators also discovered evidence on his phone of a manufactured firearm with an illegal short barrel length.
The arrest on March 31st turned up a disturbing cache of equipment in Develin’s vehicle: night vision goggles, ballistic plates, a ballistic helmet, and a substantial amount of ammunition, including loaded magazines. Subsequent searches of his residence and vehicle in March and April 2022 revealed more than 25 firearms, as well as two manuals detailing the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This suggests a level of preparation far beyond simply selling illegal weapons.
Adding to his crimes, Develin attempted to obstruct the investigation. Recognizing law enforcement was closing in, he attempted to hide and burn illegal firearm parts on a nearby property. Text messages revealed his intent to destroy incriminating evidence. Despite these efforts, investigators were able to piece together the full scope of his operation. Develin also received a concurrent six-year state prison sentence in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for making terroristic threats.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick, and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant jointly announced the sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Jessica W. Knight prosecuted the case, sending a clear message that the illegal manufacture and sale of firearms – particularly those coupled with extremist views – will not be tolerated.
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