Frederick Man Sentenced to Over Four Years for Firearms Trafficking and Machinegun Possession

A Frederick, Maryland resident has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for charges related to firearms trafficking and the unlawful possession of a machinegun. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox.

The investigation into Jonathan Drew Bartgis, 26, originated from a channel on the social media application Telegram, which was observed to be advertising the sale of firearms and devices capable of converting semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons, commonly known as “Glock switches.” According to official court documents, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) initiated an inquiry after identifying a parcel destined for Frederick, Maryland, that was suspected to contain a firearm sold through this channel.

A search warrant executed on the parcel by postal inspectors revealed a Glock 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, an extended magazine, and 30 rounds of ammunition. The package was addressed to Bartgis’s residence. Following the search of the parcel, law enforcement proceeded to execute a search warrant at Bartgis’s home. During this search, authorities discovered an additional Glock 29, 10mm semi-automatic firearm, and three machinegun conversion devices. The search of Bartgis’s bedroom also yielded over 400 rounds of ammunition, multiple cases for Glock handguns, several loaded and unloaded firearm magazines, and various firearm parts, accessories, and manufacturing tools, including packaging for privately made firearms, often referred to as “ghost guns.”

In addition to the firearms and ammunition, postal inspectors recovered $21,660 in United States currency and Bartgis’s cellular telephone. An examination of the phone revealed communications between Bartgis and other individuals discussing the illegal acquisition of the recovered firearms and further plans for trafficking additional firearms and machinegun conversion devices. Court documents indicate that Bartgis has a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community members. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the ATF, and the Frederick Police Department for their diligent work in conducting this investigation.

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

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