Mount Holly Man Indicted on Firearms and Drug Trafficking Charges

Federal agents uncover extensive illegal firearms and drug operations involving privately made firearms in Burlington County.

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – Cody Starr, a 35-year-old resident of Mount Holly, New Jersey, has been indicted on multiple firearms and narcotics charges, including possession of a machine gun and distribution of methamphetamine, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Starr faces a series of federal charges following an undercover investigation that revealed an unlicensed firearms and drug trafficking operation at his residence.

The indictment includes one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machine gun, four counts of methamphetamine distribution, four counts of possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and four counts of conducting firearms trafficking without a federal license. Starr is expected to appear in court for arraignment at a later date.

Court documents indicate that undercover agents conducted several controlled transactions with Starr between October 13, 2022, and November 8, 2022, at his Mount Holly home. During these interactions, agents reportedly purchased approximately 12 firearms from Starr, all of which were privately made firearms (PMFs), including a PMF machine gun. Starr was allegedly armed with a firearm during four of these transactions.

Following these controlled purchases, a search warrant at Starr’s residence led to the discovery of over 50 PMFs, along with firearms magazines, ammunition, firearms parts, a 3D printer, and other tools associated with illegal firearm manufacturing.

The charges against Starr carry significant potential penalties. Each distribution of methamphetamine charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Possession of a firearm by a felon has a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while possession of a machine gun has a maximum penalty of 10 years and a similar fine. Each count of possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking has a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison, along with a $250,000 fine. Operating a firearms trafficking business without a license also carries a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of up to $250,000 per count.

These charges are accusations, and Starr is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.