Press Release
☷Third Defendant Pleads Guilty in Case Involving the Unlawful Possession Manufacturing and Trafficking of Unregistered Ghost Guns Sold as Part of “Hit Kits”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ( By Press Release office)
Jan 19,2024
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Farabaugh , Zahradnik , and Miller confessed to being part of a conspiracy from May 2022 to April 2023 . They were involved in making and selling guns without a license . Miller and Zahradnik were partners in an illegal business where they made and sold "ghost guns" - guns with no serial numbers . Miller stored the guns in a storage unit controlled by Zahradnik , who used to be a cop . Zahradnik paid Miller $5 , 000 multiple times , totaling $30 , 000 , and Miller used the money to buy gun components from outside Pennsylvania . Miller then paid Zahradnik back with the proceeds from gun sales , including sales of what he called "hit kits" - kits with a handgun , silencer , ammo , and gloves . In a more casual tone , a guy from New Paris pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to make and sell guns without a license . The U . S . Attorney , Eric G . Olshan , announced the plea , which comes after his two buddies already pleaded guilty to charges like possessing and trafficking firearms . The guy , Wayne Farabaugh , admitted his guilt in front of Judge Stephanie L . Haines . His co - defendants , Craig Zahradnik and Harry Miller , also pleaded guilty to multiple charges before Judge Haines . Zahradnik ' s sentencing is on April 10 , and Miller ' s is on March 11 . Zahradnik also admitted that in March 2023 , he gave a gun and ammo to Miller , knowing that Miller planned to sell or transfer them illegally . Zahradnik also unlawfully transferred guns that weren ' t registered to him . Both Zahradnik and Farabaugh admitted they knew Miller was a convicted felon and shouldn ' t have had guns . Farabaugh confessed to helping Miller by letting him use machinery at his workplace to make the ghost guns . Miller also used the equipment to make untraceable weapons that should ' ve been registered with the government . Zahradnik transported the "hit kits" and other guns between Miller and buyers . Sometimes , Miller and Zahradnik transported guns together . During their plea hearings , Zahradnik and Miller admitted to unlawfully possessing a machinegun , trafficking firearms illegally , and engaging in the unauthorized business of manufacturing and selling firearms . U . S . Attorney Olshan emphasized the extreme danger associated with manufacturing and trafficking ghost guns . The defendants confessed to selling "hit kits" that included untraceable firearms , silencers , and even latex gloves . The potential harm caused by these actions is immense , and we will continue to collaborate with federal , state , and local law enforcement to hold those who prioritize profit over public safety accountable . ATF Special Agent in Charge , Eric DeGree , highlighted the critical threat posed by these self - styled "hit kits" and thanked the various agencies involved in dismantling this illegal firearm distribution operation . Farabaugh is set to be sentenced on May 15 , facing a maximum sentence of five years . Zahradnik and Miller could each face a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison , a fine of $1 . 27 million , or both . The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendants ' criminal history . Assistant U . S . Attorney Maureen Sheehan - Balchon is prosecuting the case . The Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation , utilizing the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act . This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) , a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities to create safer neighborhoods . On May 26 , 2021 , the Department of Justice kicked off a plan to reduce violent crime by beefing up PSN . They ' re all about building trust in our communities , backing organizations that stop violence before it starts , prioritizing specific enforcement goals , and keeping tabs on the outcomes .
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