Man arrested for using 3D-printed part to make a gun automatic
EVANSTON (WKRC) - An Evanston man is facing felony charges after, police say, he used a 3D printer to turn his gun into an automatic weapon.
According to court documents, police arrested Demarion Boyd after he violated his parole when a probation officer found a yellow 3D printed auto sear known as a "machine gun conversion kit" in the bedroom of his home.
The small device converts a Glock handgun into an automatic weapon.
In February, ATF agents demonstrated just how fast and powerful these modified guns can be ahead of a news conference, in which the US Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kenneth Parker, shared the following statement:
“Let my message today be a warning to the violent offenders,” he said. “If you have a gun with a switch, we will charge you with federal crimes."
Since that time, ATF field agent Frank Occhipinti tells Local 12 the bureau has investigated four more cases involving Glock switches.
"We're seeing locally-printed ones. Those are the more crude ones, but they are still just as effective and lethal as the mass-produced ones," said Occhipinti.
Officials are looking at possible federal charges in Boyd's case. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
ATF agents say people thinking of printing, or sharing information on how to make these devices online, should think twice.
They say some people know what the device does, but don't understand the consequences of holding the piece of plastic.
On Friday, a judge set bond for Boyd at $5,000 bond.
In the coming weeks, agents say they plan to reveal new information about a large case involving these devices.
