A Summit County resident has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for manufacturing and selling illegal firearms, including machine gun conversion devices, from his home using a 3D printer. Alexander Beattie, 34, of Barberton, Ohio, received a sentence of 210 months from U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty in May to several charges related to firearms violations and possession of child pornography.
The charges against Beattie included engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, manufacturing and dealing firearms without a license, manufacturing a firearm without a license, being a felon in possession of ammunition—stemming from previous convictions for burglary in 2011 and domestic violence in 2018—and possession of child pornography.
Beattie was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. He must pay $54,500 in restitution and $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessments. The sentencing took place on August 28, 2025.
According to court documents, between February and November 2024, Beattie used a 3D printer at his residence to manufacture illegal firearms, parts, and suppressors. These weapons lacked serial numbers and are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” Such guns are untraceable because they do not have identifying marks or records linking them to manufacturers or sales. Authorities stated that Beattie marketed these items through social media by posting photos and videos that displayed the quality of his products.
During their investigation into the firearms offenses, agents discovered that Beattie’s electronic devices contained child sexual abuse materials involving children under the age of twelve.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Toni Schnellinger Feisthamel prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
“Ghost guns” are unable to be tracked or traced since they do not have serial numbers or other record of being manufactured or sold,” according to court documents.
“This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).”
“The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toni Schnellinger Feisthamel for the Northern District of Ohio.”
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