Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Making and Selling Ghost Guns
A local man has pleaded guilty in federal court to making and selling ‘ghost guns,’ untraceable homemade weapons made in whole or in part with a 3D printer. Thomas Develin, 25, of Columbus, Ohio, admitted in his plea agreement that he created ghost guns to sell for profit.
Court documents detail that Develin also made antisemitic and violent statements online while employed to provide security services at local synagogues and Jewish schools. Develin admitted that he made and possessed homemade conversion devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns.
The defendant has been charged in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas with various crimes, including making terroristic threats. Those charges remain pending.
Develin admitted in his plea agreement that he made and sold firearms that he knew were illegal. Agents discovered more than 25 firearms in Develin’s residence and vehicle while executing search warrants in March and April 2022. They also discovered two IED manuals.
Illegally making firearms and unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing machine guns are federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Manufacturing and dealing any firearms without a license are punishable by up to five years in prison.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, and Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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