Dover Man Indicted for Possessing Privately Manufactured “Ghost Gun”

WILMINGTON, Del. - A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Dover man with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

According to the indictment, Joe Murray, 35, possessed a privately made, unserialized Polymer80 9mm semiautomatic handgun-otherwise known as a "ghost gun"-loaded with a magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition. Officers also recovered an additional bullet from Murray's pocket.

Murray is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. If convicted, Murray faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. ATF and the Dover Police Department investigated the case.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the District of Delaware or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-119-GBW.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.