Attorney General William Tong announced today that Utah-based AR Industries will cease operations following a settlement with the State of Connecticut. The company was involved in selling illegal untraceable ghost gun parts.
As part of the settlement, AR Industries must dissolve, surrender its internet domain, and deactivate all social media accounts. Additionally, the company's principal is required to report annually on whether she or any agents have formed new businesses to resume selling ghost gun parts. If any agents resume such sales through a new business, they must attest to full compliance with Connecticut laws. A $205,000 penalty will be enforced if AR associates sell illegally in Connecticut or violate any other terms of the settlement.
“Ghost guns exist to evade law enforcement and registration. They are untraceable and illegal in Connecticut. AR Industries shipped these crime guns into Connecticut in violation of our laws and we are shutting them down. Our message to ghost gun dealers is clear—if you ship to Connecticut, we will find you and hold you accountable,” said Attorney General Tong.
This marks the third settlement involving ghost gun dealers engaged in illegal sales into Connecticut. Florida-based Steel Fox Firearms has also dissolved under similar terms with the State. Additionally, Attorney General Tong reached a $425,000 settlement with North Carolina-based Hell Fire Armory, which includes strong disclaimers and controls to prevent sales in Connecticut. The company must report compliance for six years; if compliant, all but $16,000 of the civil penalty will be suspended.
One case against another defendant remains pending.
Connecticut banned the sale and receipt of unfinished frame and lower receiver gun components lacking serial numbers or unique identification on October 1, 2019.
Assistant Attorneys General Rebecca Quinn, Katherine Hagmann-Borsenstein and Addison Keilty, along with Deputy Associate Attorney General Mike Wertheimer from the Consumer Protection Section are assisting Attorney General Tong in this matter.