A Brentwood resident, Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21, has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Bauer was apprehended on March 11 and appeared in federal district court in Oakland the following day.
The criminal complaint reveals that on September 6, 2024, officers from the Brentwood Police Department responded to an incident at a local grocery store involving a firearm. They discovered Bauer carrying a 3D-printed Glock-style firearm without a serial number. Subsequent to his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, a search of Bauer's residence uncovered a 3D printing machine, three pistol frames, and a machine gun conversion device.
These devices, referred to as "switches" or "auto sears," are used to convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. When questioned by police about the purpose of these devices, Bauer allegedly said they were "to make it shoot faster."
Bauer is scheduled for another court appearance on March 17, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore for a detention hearing.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani announced the charges against Bauer. He faces one count under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). It is important to note that complaints only allege crimes have occurred; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted, Bauer could face up to ten years in prison and fines amounting to $250,000.
The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling this case's prosecution. The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI, Brentwood Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.