In Keith Irwin’s garage in Anderson, he was converting semi automatic rifles to fully automatic rifles. While that activity is illegal, what also concerned the feds was that Irwin, 33, was not even supposed to own one gun. He was a convicted felon.
He has been sentenced to 10 years in the federal lock up, said U.S. Atty. Josh Minkler.
Minkler said that Anderson Police got a tip in January 2018 about Irwin’s garage shop. when they raided the garage, they found 16 pistols, four shotguns, 20 rifles, and parts for guns that were being modified. They also found over 50,000 rounds of ammo, and all of the drills, presses, lathes, and machinery needed to make the modifications.
“If you choose to illegally possess, manufacture, or alter firearms, you will be prosecuted federally, and to the full extent of the law,” said Minkler. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing violent crime by prosecuting those individuals who choose to engage in violent crime and commit firearms offenses.”
“The defendant not only illegally possessed firearms, he manufactured and sold them to others, putting the entire community at risk,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “The combined investigative efforts of the Anderson Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and ATF hopefully ensures that the defendant will not be a threat to the community for quite some time.”
