Federal agents have arrested a 24-year-old Columbus man and former member of the Ohio National Guard on charges of making and selling "ghost guns." Those are untraceable homemade weapons made in whole or part with a 3D printer. Thomas Develin also allegedly made anti-semitic and violent statements while he worked in security at local synagogues and Jewish schools. Agents confiscated more than 25 firearms in Develin's home and vehicle during a search warrant in March.
It is alleged that Develin created ghost guns to sell for profit. It also alleged that Develin possessed homemade conversion devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Develin’s Discord and Snapchat activity online revealed a large quantity of antisemitic, white nationalist, racist and misogynistic content. Develin used the fictional name “Patrick Bateman” online.
The defendant has been charged in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas with various crimes, including making terroristic threats. Those charges remain pending.
Develin will appear in U.S. District Court this afternoon regarding his federal charges.
