Kansas City Man Faces Federal Charges for Manufacturing Illegal Machine Gun Devices

Kansas City Man Charged for Manufacturing Illegal Machine Gun Devices

Kansas City is buzzing with news this week as a local man has found himself in hot water with the law. Dalton R. Johnston, a 27-year-old resident, has been charged in federal court for possessing hundreds of homemade devices that can transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. This has raised alarms among law enforcement authorities who are concerned about the implications for public safety.

A Disturbing Trend

U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore has shed light on this troubling trend. She explained that law enforcement agencies across the country are witnessing an uptick in these dangerous machine gun conversion devices. “These items are typically affordable and easy to construct,” Moore noted. “They can be as simple as a small piece of metal or plastic that turns an ordinary firearm into something far more lethal—essentially a weapon of war.”

The implications are significant. These devices not only endanger community safety but also pose a substantial risk to the brave men and women of law enforcement. As Moore stated, “Using these devices is illegal. Selling these devices is illegal. And being in possession of these devices is also illegal.” It’s clear that the **Department of Justice** is prioritizing the fight against such **dangerous weapons** as part of a broader strategy to reduce violent crime.

Details of the Charges

The criminal complaint against Johnston was filed under seal on September 24, 2024, but was unsealed following his arrest. Investigations revealed that Johnston was using his **3-D printer** to produce these conversion devices, which he then sold within the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Machine gun conversion devices—often referred to as “switches” or “auto sears”—allow guns to fire multiple rounds automatically with just a single pull of the trigger. This rapid firing capability makes these devices particularly hazardous. Even without being attached to a gun, these items are classified as machine guns under federal law.

The Voices Behind the Action

Bernard G. Hansen, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Division, spoke about the urgency of addressing this issue. “We’ve witnessed a concerning trend, much like we did ten years ago with ghost guns. These conversion devices can turn any ordinary street into a dangerous battleground,” he warned.

Hansen emphasized that machine gun conversion devices have become the most frequently seized types of illegal firearms. “If you’re involved in the production or possession of these items, know that we’re on your trail. We’re dedicated to making our communities safer, and that means getting these devices off the streets,” he added.

Undercover Operations

According to the affidavit, Johnston’s activities came under scrutiny after he allegedly sold ten Glock conversion devices and one AR-type device for just $70 to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). During this transaction, he even mentioned that the devices were incomplete since he hadn’t finished making certain components. Yet, he offered to manufacture a total of **100 AR-type conversion devices** in exchange for $250 when the undercover agent expressed interest in reselling them in Chicago.

Fast forward two weeks, Johnston met the undercover agent again at a gas station in Blue Ridge Cutoff. This time, he handed over a vacuum-sealed package containing the promised 100 AR-type conversion devices for the agreed-upon price. Johnston went on to state that he could produce 300 more devices in the next two weeks.

A Broader Concern

This incident not only showcases one individual’s illegal activities but also serves as a reminder of the broader issues surrounding gun control and public safety. As the law enforcement agencies tighten measures against the manufacturing and sale of these dangerous devices, it’s clear that it will take a concerted community effort to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in Kansas City and beyond.

In a society that strives for peace and safety, the revelation of such disturbing activities calls for vigilance and proactive measures from both authorities and citizens alike. Let’s all stay informed and work together to keep our communities safe.