Central Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing 3D-Printed Machineguns and Silencers

Central Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing 3D-Printed Machineguns and Silencers
Jaden Pope

A 20-year-old technical college student from Lizella, Georgia, who described himself as a “machinist,” has pleaded guilty to manufacturing unregistered machineguns and silencers using 3D printing technology.

Jaden Michael-William Pope pleaded guilty on January 27 to one count of manufacturing an unregistered machinegun before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Pope faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2025.

“3-D printed machineguns and silencers pose a significant threat to the safety of our communities by increasing the access of illegally manufactured rapid-fire weapons to potentially dangerous individuals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker. “I applaud our local and federal law enforcement partners for shutting down this clandestine machinegun manufacturing operation.”

“The collaboration between ATF and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office showcases our unwavering commitment to confronting the illegal production of firearms, especially those created through advanced methods like 3D printing,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “These weapons are designed to evade detection and accountability, posing an undeniable threat to public safety. Together, we are ensuring such dangers are swiftly and decisively addressed.”

According to court records, Pope was initially investigated by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in September 2023 for stealing firearms from vehicles at night. During his arrest, investigators found photos on his phone showing personally manufactured firearms and silencers, along with screenshots from a website offering 3D-printing templates for firearm components, including AR-15 full-auto sears.

A confidential informant reported that Pope was manufacturing firearms, including silencers, in his bedroom and had demonstrated their use. On December 12, 2023, ATF agents executed a search warrant at Pope’s home. They seized four 3D printers, three computers, two machineguns, nine silencers, a short-barreled rifle, and a stolen .45-caliber pistol.

Investigators also discovered diagrams, notes, scrap parts, and failed 3D prints associated with firearm manufacturing. Analysis of Pope’s computers revealed programming codes used to produce the weapons. Methamphetamine was also found hidden in a USB device during the search.

The case was investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.

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