Maryland Man Sentenced to Four Years for Illegally Possessing Ghost Guns and Machine Gun Conversion Device

A Nottingham, Maryland resident has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing multiple unregistered firearms, often referred to as “ghost guns,” along with a device capable of converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic one. Gino Michael Gelormino, 42, received a four-year sentence and will be subject to two years of supervised release. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, in conjunction with law enforcement officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Maryland State Police (MSP), and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

The investigation into Gelormino began as part of a larger inquiry into suspected members of the Dead Man Inc. gang. BCPD initiated a state search warrant for Gelormino and his residence in Baltimore County. During the execution of this warrant on April 11, 2024, with Gelormino present, authorities discovered six privately manufactured firearms, commonly known as ghost guns, concealed within a locked master bedroom closet. Gelormino’s wife confirmed that access to the closet was restricted to herself and Gelormino, and that all the seized items belonged to him. As a convicted felon, Gelormino is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Further examination of the recovered firearms revealed that three were equipped with loaded, high-capacity magazines and also featured mounted lights and red-dot sights. In addition to the firearms, law enforcement also located a 3-D printed device designed to convert firearms into machine guns, also referred to as a “switch.” The investigation also uncovered three ballistic vests, a substantial quantity of ammunition totaling approximately 1,258 rounds, and documentation including receipts for firearm components and accessories, as well as shipping labels. These documents provided further evidence linking Gelormino to the acquisition of the contraband.

This case is part of a broader Strike Force Initiative, which aims to establish permanent multi-agency task forces operating in a unified capacity. This collaborative approach facilitates intelligence sharing and joint operations to target significant criminal enterprises, including drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific objectives of the Baltimore Strike Force include identifying, disrupting, and dismantling organizations involved in violent drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal activities to mitigate drug-related and gang violence within the Baltimore metropolitan area and its surrounding regions. The Baltimore Strike Force comprises personnel from various federal, state, and local agencies, including the ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Maryland State Police, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The prosecution of this case was handled by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the significant efforts of the ATF, MSP, and BCPD in conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins was credited with prosecuting the case.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

---