CAMDEN, N.J. — A man from Atlantic County, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to possessing unregistered machine guns and other firearms, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Tuesday. Michael John James, 30, of Somers Point, New Jersey, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Keil, admitting to charges under the National Firearms Act.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at James’ residence in February 2024. During the search, authorities recovered dozens of firearms and ballistics items, including three operable machine guns, a weapon modified to be shorter than a standard rifle, a weapon modified to be shorter than a standard shotgun, and three silencers. James admitted to possessing all the items found in his home and confirmed that the machine guns and other firearms were operable at the time.
The charge to which James pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for December 30, 2024.