Lake Co. Teen Accused Of Importing Machine Gun Conversion Devices

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group in collaboration with the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations recently wrapped up an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old for purchasing machine gun conversion devices.

SIG received information the teen purchased machine gun conversion devices from outside of the United States and was having them shipped to a neighbor’s home, near his residence, in Winthrop Harbor, according to a news release.

Detectives believe the teen had the devices shipped to the neighbor’s home to avoid connecting him or his home with the purchase, police said.

On December 17, the package was delivered to the neighbor’s home, and the teen retrieved the package. After retrieving the package, he was taken into custody by members of SIG and Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT.

A total of eight machine gun conversion devices the teen purchased were seized. SIG and SWAT then conducted a search warrant at the teen’s home. No additional conversion devices or firearms were located at the teen’s home, according to a news release.

Detectives believe the teen was likely going to sell the conversion devices to others for profit, and is being petitioned to juvenile court on eight counts of unlawful possession of machine gun parts, which are Class 2 felonies.

“It is troubling to see such a young person involved in the purchase and potential distribution of machine gun conversion devices," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. "These devices endanger everyone and stopping their spread is a responsibility we take seriously. I am grateful for the collaboration we have with our local and federal law enforcement agencies and proud of the work of our SIG and SWAT teams.”

There is no evidence or information to suggest the teen’s neighbor was involved in this incident, police said.