A federal court in Brooklyn unsealed a nine-count superseding indictment today, charging four individuals with firearms trafficking and related offenses. Justin Nudelman, Brandon Nudelman, Ronnie Mershon, and Michael Daddea face charges including conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and possession of machine guns.
Three defendants were apprehended this morning. Brandon Nudelman and Mershon appeared for arraignment in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. Meanwhile, Daddea appeared in federal court in Tampa, Florida, for proceedings that will transfer him to Brooklyn. Justin Nudelman was previously charged and will be arraigned later.
The charges were announced by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Division; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
“The defendants’ use of 3D printers to make untraceable, fully automatic weapons poses an extremely serious threat to public safety,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office and our federal and local partners are working tirelessly to protect our communities by preventing these guns from making their way into the hands of violent criminals.”
Durham also acknowledged contributions from the United States Secret Service and NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Team.
“Illegally manufacturing and distributing privately made firearms and machine gun conversion devices is a direct threat to public safety,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Miller. He emphasized their commitment to stopping illegal firearm flows that contribute to community violence.
“These individuals thought they could evade law enforcement by using 3D printers to churn out illegal ghost guns and endanger our streets — but they were wrong,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.
Court documents allege that between January 2023 and September 2023, the defendants conspired to manufacture firearms illegally using 3D printers. These included devices called "auto sears" that convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons. The assembled ghost guns were sold without licenses or government notification. So far, authorities have seized 23 firearms.
Justin Nudelman and Brandon Nudelman are also accused of attempting to obstruct justice by concealing a phone subject to a search warrant on September 7, 2023.
All charges remain allegations until proven guilty in court. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.
Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati leads the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist David Harrison.