Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Somerville man was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after authorities allegedly discovered multiple privately made firearms, known as "ghost guns," at his residence. Robert Butland, 38, appeared in federal court in Boston following his arrest and remains in custody until a detention hearing set for August 20, 2025.
According to charging documents, law enforcement began investigating Butland's purchases of 3D printers and firearm parts dating back to 2022. During the search of his home, officers reportedly forced open a locked closet containing suspected ghost guns and solvent traps commonly used as illegal firearm suppressors. Additional suspected ghost guns were found in various locations within the bedroom, including nightstands, backpacks, and coffee table drawers. Authorities also recovered firearm parts, accessories, several 3D printers, a work bench with tools believed necessary for assembling firearms, and ammunition of different calibers.
Butland is legally barred from possessing firearms due to prior state convictions that include assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, wanton destruction of property, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B controlled substance, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The charge carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: "The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The announcement was made alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Boston Field Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. The Somerville Police Department; Boston Police Department; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin are assisting with the prosecution.
