An East Hartford man was using 3D printers to manufacture and sell ‘ghost guns’. He faces deportation when he gets out of prison.
A Jamaican citizen living in East Hartford was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison this week for using high-tech, 3D printers and mail-order parts to manufacture and sell untraceable “ghost guns, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Audley R., 30, from East Hartford was sentenced in Hartford by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea. He pleaded guilty to the August charge of engaging in manufacturing firearms.
Reeves was and John Lee Ortiz were targeted by law enforcement in December 2021, based on information from another criminal.
[ CT man who is not allowed to have firearms admits he had ‘ghost guns’, 300 rounds of ammo in his house ]
According to witnesses and court documents, investigators are said to have purchased seven handguns, an Ortiz Bushmaster.223 rifle and several rounds ammo from Ortiz. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, most of the guns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer.
Reeves was identified by the investigators as the gunmaker.
Reeves was arrested with Ortiz on January 5, 2022. When members of the North Connecticut Gang Task Force searched Reeve’s apartment on Church Street that morning, they apparently interrupted him in the process of manufacturing an AR-15-style rifle, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Officers also found six fully assembled firearms, approximately 25 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms, the U.S. Attorney’s office said
Reeves was released on $50,000 bail and ordered to report for prison on January 6, 2023. After completing his sentence, Reeves will be deported.
Ortiz pleaded guilty on November 8 to one count each of engaging in the business dealing in firearms, without a license, and one count of possessing with intent to distribute Fentanyl. His sentencing hearing is set for February 3, 2023.