Former contract security guard pleads guilty to federal gun charges
Cleveland Ohio October 22 2022
The former contract security guard who at times was assigned to Columbus Torah Academy and other Greater Columbus Jewish institutions, pleaded guilty at an arraignment to three counts of federal firearms offenses Oct. 20 and was facing forfeiture of weapons and tools to manufacture them, his attorney confirmed to the Columbus Jewish News.
Robert Krapenc, the Columbus attorney for Thomas M. Develin told the CJN that Develin will be sentenced in 60 to 90 days.
A news release from the U.S. Department of Justice said illegally making firearms and unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing machine guns are federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Manufacturing and dealing any firearms without a license are punishable by up to five years in prison, according to the release.
The release also detailed information during Develin’s arrest and information about the plea arrangement.
“Develin admitted in his plea agreement that he created ghost guns to sell for profit,” according to the release. “He also made and possessed homemade conversion devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns. Develin admitted that he made and sold firearms that he knew were illegal.”
“Develin advertised online that he possessed and was selling 3D-printed sears, which are devices designed to convert semiautomatic AR-type rifles into fully automatic rifles, according to the plea agreement,” according to the release. “Devices that are intended to convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic firearms are considered ‘machine guns’ under federal law. Other messages on Develin’s phone stated that he had manufactured a two-handed firearm with an overall length under 26 inches, which is illegal.”
“On March 31, the day Develin was arrested, agents discovered in his vehicle: night vision goggles, ballistic plates, a ballistic helmet, first aid equipment and a large quantity of ammunition including several loaded magazines,” according to the release.
“Agents discovered more than 25 firearms in Develin’s residence and vehicle while executing search warrants in March and April 2022,” according to the release. “They also discovered two IED manuals.”
“Develin admitted in his plea agreement that in late March 2022, he knew law enforcement may be coming for him so he went to the property surrounding the cabin of a person he knew to hide and burn illegal firearms parts,” according to the release. “In text messages with another person, Develin also discussed hiding and destroying incriminating evidence. Develin admitted he took these acts with the intent to obstruct the investigation.”
Krapenc had told the Columbus Jewish News Oct. 10 that Devlin would plead guilty.
“Right now, what he’s pleading to involves the manufacture of ghost guns, involves the possession or manufacture of specific items that are made and designed to make a semi-automatic weapon a fully automatic weapon,” Krapenc had said. “He’s accepting responsibility for doing exactly those things.”
Develin, 25, now of Waverly, Ohio, first came to the attention of law enforcement after making a post on Discord threatening the Jewish community.
While jailed at Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Develin completed 30 days in the V.E.T.S. program, according to an Oct. 17 letter from Capt. Nick Fisher, warden.
“This program places an emphasis places on accountability by requiring veteran inmates to attend a morning huddle with the corrections officer assigned to the program, keep their living space clean, and participate in daily work activities,” Fisher wrote. “Inmates are also offered one-on-one services through the VA and Veteran Service Commission, and group classes geared toward mental health and addressing and changing negative actions.”
While the state case also continues, the federal case entailed three counts relating to actions taking place from 2020 to March 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Applegate and Jessica Knight were also seeking forfeiture of a Bazalt RPG7B rocket launcher style destructive device; three coat hanger machine gun devices; a Glock conversion device; four firearms manufactured by the defendant that bear no markings or serial numbers and an any associated ammunition.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives was involved in the federal case along with the FBI.
Develin is in federal custody under U.S. Marshals, his lawyer said. He said there is no agreed upon sentence and that the sentence will be determined following a sentencing report conducted by the probation department and sentencing memorandums prepared by the prosecution and the defense.
Develin also faces an 11 a.m. Nov. 7 court date for the state case in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. In that case, Develin is facing two counts of making terroristic threats against the Jewish community, both third-degree felonies; two counts of possessing dangerous ordinance, one second-degree felony and one fifth-degree felony; and a single count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. He has waived his right to a speedy trial, according to court records. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Cory D. Helffrich is handling that case, which was initiated by the Columbus Division of Police.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea entered Oct. 20 before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. The law enforcement agencies were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Jessica W. Knight are representing the United States in this case.
