Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
A technical college student from Lizella, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to manufacturing an unregistered machinegun. Jaden Michael-William Pope, 20, admitted to the charge before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell on January 27. The offense carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker emphasized the danger posed by such activities: “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.” She commended local and federal law enforcement for their role in halting this illegal operation.
The investigation involved collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka highlighted this cooperation: "The collaboration between ATF and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office showcases our unwavering commitment to confronting the illegal production of firearms."
The case began when authorities investigated Pope for stealing firearms from vehicles at night in September 2023. During his arrest, investigators discovered photos on his cell phone showing personally manufactured firearms and silencers. A confidential source informed law enforcement that Pope was making these items using a 3D printer in his bedroom.
Further investigation revealed that Pope had posted images on Facebook depicting his creations, including a modified Glock handgun capable of firing automatically with one trigger pull. A search warrant executed at his home led to the discovery of four 3D printers, multiple computers, two machineguns, nine silencers, a short-barreled rifle, and a stolen .45 caliber pistol.
Agents also found evidence supporting Pope's manufacturing activities such as diagrams, instructions for building firearms, scrap parts from failed prints, and methamphetamine hidden within a USB device.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through community trust-building efforts and strategic enforcement priorities.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is handling prosecution duties for this case on behalf of the government.
