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Ghost Guns land Ohio Guardsmen in prison
The Ohio National Guard Soldier Soldier who was arrested for manufacturing ghost guns has been removed from active duty after being sentenced to jail time.
Thomas Develin, a corporal, previously assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in the Ohio Army National Guard, was recently sentenced to 71 months in prison for his role in making ghost guns using 3D printers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thomas Develin, 25, used a 3D printer to make ghost guns beginning in 2020 with the intent to sell them for profit, according to court documents. <a href="https://t.co/h86AcAdOZL">https://t.co/h86AcAdOZL</a></p>— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/starsandstripes/status/1631582685310369793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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He had pleaded guilty to three charges related to the possession and distribution of firearms without serial numbers, as well as possession of a firearm while under indictment.
At the time of his arrest, a statement was issued ensuring the public that Develin would not face separation or disciplinary action until the conclusion of the criminal case pending against him. Later however, spokesperson for an Ohio Guard unit, Captain Jenna Walton, told reporters that Develin was in fact discharged from the military in August of 2022.
The case against Develin began in June of 2022, when he was arrested on three charges related to the possession and distribution of untraceable firearms. According to federal prosecutors, Develin had used 3D printers to manufacture several firearms without serial numbers.
In addition to the federal charges, Develin was also facing local charges related to threats he had made against a private Jewish school in the state.
Following his arrest, Develin was suspended from his duties with the Ohio National Guard, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings against him. The Guard launched its own investigation into Develin’s conduct, and ultimately decided to expel him from the organization.
“The Ohio National Guard has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to criminal activity by our members,” said Ohio Adjutant General John C. Harris Jr. in a statement. “We expect our soldiers and airmen to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and those who fail to do so will be held accountable.”
