A man from Kansas City, Missouri, is facing federal charges for possessing and selling hundreds of 3D-printed devices that can convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns.
U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore highlighted the alarming increase in the use of these devices, emphasizing their potential to transform ordinary firearms into highly dangerous weapons.
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Dalton R. Johnston, 27, was arrested and charged with three counts of possessing machine guns. According to the affidavit, Johnston used his 3-D printer to manufacture these devices, which he then sold in the Kansas City area.
These devices, often referred to as “switches” or “auto sears,” enable semi-automatic weapons to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, essentially turning them into machine guns.
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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an undercover operation where Johnston allegedly sold multiple conversion devices and discussed plans to manufacture and sell hundreds more.
The ATF is actively working to combat the spread of these devices, which have become the most frequently recovered type of illegal firearm.
The charges against Johnston are accusations, and his guilt or innocence will be determined by a federal trial jury.
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