Kingston man accused of using 3D Printer to make ghost gun parts held for dangerousness hearing
PLYMOUTH - Charles Santos, the Kingston man accused of using a 3D printer to make so-called ghost guns parts, was ordered held for a dangerousness hearing Monday.
Santos, 34, was arraigned in Plymouth District Court, days after his arrest in an illegal gun investigation in Kingston.
Based on his criminal history, Santos is prohibited from having guns. But police said they found him with a fully operational AR-style rifle, assembled from different manufacturers, a 3D printer, 3D printed firearms parts and some illegal steroids.
Police believe he was in possession of another gun, but they still haven't found it.
Police looked into Santos because of a tip they received from another person.
"That individual was also able to provide us with a video that showed Mr. Santos in possession of a pistol," said Kingston police Lt. Michael Skowyra.
Santos is charged with illegal possession of a high capacity firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He is not charged with having a 3D printer of producing gun parts but a new piece of legislation could change that.
The Massachusetts house of representatives just passed a bill that would crack down on ghost guns which have no serial number and are untraceable.
Right now, Massachusetts law only requires a license to carry for fully formed firearms that can shoot. The proposed bill would update the law so that a license is required if someone is in possession of certain gun parts like a frame or receiver. That could mean frame or receiver pieces that are manufactured at home and do not have serial numbers.
"What we want to prevent is the criminal element from creating or manufacturing firearms that don't have serial numbers that are getting out onto the street," said Newton Police Chief John Carmichael.
Police chiefs say anecdotally they're seeing more of these weapons used in crimes, although data about them is hard to come by.
Last year, Boston police reported recovering 695 guns used in crimes. Of them, 104 were ghost guns.
Santos's court-appointed defense attorney said Monday his client has been clean and sober for 10 years and is supporting his children.