Evansville’s 3D Printed Gun Case Sparks Federal Investigation

In recent years, advancements in 3D printing have made the technology increasingly accessible to the general public. While initially celebrated for its immense potential across various industries, 3D printing has raised alarm bells due to its misuse in producing untraceable firearms . Ghost guns, as they are commonly known, pose a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide, as they lack serial numbers and can be virtually impossible to trace back to their origin. Evansville, Indiana, has recently found itself at the forefront of this concerning trend.

In a high-profile case that arose in January, 39-year-old Marquel D. Payne was recently charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a machinegun after Evansville Police officers discovered a cache of 3D printed guns, gun components, and conversion devices (or ‘switches’) within his home. The investigation, led by the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center, uncovered approximately 60 plastic machinegun conversion devices, designed to provide semi-automatic and single-fire weapons with automatic capabilities.

3D printer, guns, and gun components seized on January 31st. (Photo Credits: US Attorney’s Office)

US Attorney Zachary Myers, representing the Southern District of Indiana, expressed deep concern regarding the seized 3D printed guns and conversion devices, stating, “Getting illegal machinegun conversion devices off our streets is a critical public safety priority. Fully automatic weapons and untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious danger to our communities, especially when they are in the hands of people who have no lawful business possessing any firearm. ” This echoes concerns raised last month by the Evansville Police Department, suggesting that there is an increasing issue of machinegun switches within the city.