Paterson Man Indicted for Firearms Trafficking, Possession of Machine Guns and Ghost Guns

Federal Investigation Uncovers Illicit Firearms, 3D-Printed Weapons, and Ammunition in Suspect’s Home

A Paterson, New Jersey man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple firearms trafficking charges, including the illegal possession of machine guns, ghost gun components, silencers, and short-barreled rifles, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

The suspect, Mikhail Gouldson, 36, faces a five-count indictment stemming from an investigation that uncovered dozens of illicit firearms, ammunition, and 3D-printed weapon parts inside his residence. Authorities allege that Gouldson was operating an illegal firearms business without a license and attempting to traffic weapons.

Weapons and 3D Printing Equipment Seized

According to court documents and statements made during the investigation, law enforcement officials intercepted multiple illegal weapons shipments destined for Gouldson’s residence. Upon executing a search warrant, investigators recovered:

• 3D-printed “ghost” gun frames (untraceable firearms lacking serial numbers)
• Machine gun conversion devices
• Firearm silencers
• Short-barreled rifles
• Hundreds of rounds of ammunition
• A 3D printer used to manufacture firearm components

Ghost guns, which can be assembled at home from kits or 3D-printed, pose a significant challenge for law enforcement as they lack traditional registration and serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.

Federal Charges and Potential Penalties

Gouldson has been charged with five separate federal offenses, including:

1. Dealing in firearms without a license – Maximum 5 years in prison
2. Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon – Maximum 15 years in prison
3. Possession of machine guns – Maximum 10 years in prison
4. Possession of unregistered firearms – Maximum 10 years in prison
5. Attempted trafficking in firearms – Maximum 15 years in prison

Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Gouldson was previously charged by criminal complaint but now faces a formal indictment. His arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.

The case was investigated by multiple federal agencies, including:

• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark – Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark – Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Newark Field Division – Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr.
• United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division – Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen

The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Rosenblum from the Narcotics and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit in Newark.

Gouldson’s indictment falls under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of June 2022, a federal law aimed at stopping illegal gun trafficking and straw purchases (where a third party buys firearms for individuals prohibited from owning them).

Additionally, the case is part of two major crime-reduction initiatives:

• Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – A federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun-related offenses through cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
• Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) – Established in 2020, this initiative targets high-risk offenders and violent criminals in Paterson, pooling resources from:
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office
  • FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals
  • Paterson Department of Public Safety
  • Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Passaic County Sheriff’s Office
  • New Jersey State Police

Federal prosecutors stress that the charges in the indictment are allegations, and Gouldson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, he faces a decades-long prison sentence for illegal firearm distribution and manufacturing. Law enforcement officials emphasize that illegally trafficked weapons contribute to violent crime and that stopping such operations is a priority for public safety.

Residents with information about illegal firearms activity can report tips to local law enforcement or the ATF tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).