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Paterson man indicted on firearms charges, including possession of ‘ghost’ gun frames | Paterson Times

Paterson man indicted on firearms charges, including possession of ‘ghost’ gun frames

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A Paterson man was indicted Monday by a federal grand jury on firearms-related charges after authorities discovered illicit firearms, machine gun conversion devices, firearm silencers, and a 3D printer in his residence, federal prosecutors said.

Mikhail Gouldson, 36, of Paterson, is charged in a five-count indictment with dealing in firearms without a license, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of machine guns, possession of unregistered firearms, and attempted trafficking in firearms, according to U.S. Attorney John Giordano. Gouldson, who was previously charged by complaint, will be arraigned at a later date.

Authorities said they intercepted multiple shipments of weapons sent to Gouldson’s residence. A subsequent search of his home led to the recovery of dozens of firearms, ammunition, and 3D printing equipment used to manufacture firearm components.

If convicted, Gouldson faces up to 15 years in prison for the possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon charge, and up to 10 years for possession of machine guns and unregistered firearms. The firearm trafficking charge also carries a maximum 15-year sentence, while dealing in firearms without a license is punishable by up to five years in prison. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

The case is being investigated by multiple federal and local agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The charges were brought under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which targets unlawful firearm trafficking and straw purchases. The case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative aimed at reducing gun violence, as well as the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative, a collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in the area.

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