Indiana man receives sentence for 3D printing, trafficking firearms

FRANKLIN, Indiana — An Indiana man has been sentenced to federal jail for 3D printing and trafficking firearms and Glock switches, in line with a spokesperson from the U.S. Division of Justice.

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Alexander Clark, 28, of Franklin, Indiana, has been sentenced to 2 years in federal jail after pleading responsible to creating a firearm in violation of the Nationwide Firearms Act, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a machinegun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives opened an investigation on Clark after he offered a number of privately made firearms, the spokesperson stated.

Over one month, investigators noticed Clark promoting 5 3D-printed Glock-style pistol frames, a 3D-printed AR-15 rifle decrease receiver, and two machinegun conversion gadgets.

Machinegun conversion gadgets, generally known as Glock switches or auto-sears, are gadgets that convert common semiautomatic firearms into totally computerized machineguns, the spokesperson stated.

“These conversion gadgets enhance the lethality of a firearm, whereas additionally lowering the flexibility of the individual firing the weapon to regulate the place they shoot. This mixture is lethal and random and represents a transparent risk to our group. We are going to work with our companions to take away these gadgets, and those that are manufacturing and promoting them, from our streets,” Particular Agent in Cost of ATF’s Columbus Discipline Division Daryl S. McCormick stated.

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These conversion gadgets are thought-about machine weapons underneath federal regulation, even when not put in. They’re unlawful to own or promote in nearly all circumstances, the spokesperson stated.

“Machinegun conversion gadgets are an pressing public security problem—an extraordinary pistol geared up with a conversion system and an prolonged journal can fireplace 31 rounds in simply two seconds,” U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers stated.

On Aug. 22, 2022, ATF brokers searched Clark’s dwelling and situated a number of firearms, firearm equipment, silencers, machine weapons, a 3D printer, and different gadgets to help 3D printing.

Clark had seven machine weapons, seven silencers, and 27 machinegun conversion gadgets. None of this stuff had been legally registered.

“Criminals like this defendant exploit fashionable expertise to illegally manufacture lethal weapons and illegally arm others, together with felons and juveniles. The intense federal jail sentence imposed right here demonstrates that our workplace is dedicated to creating our communities safer by getting these gadgets off our streets and holding unlawful gun traffickers accountable,” Myers stated.