Maryland State Wire

Jonathan Drew Bartgis, a 26-year-old resident of Frederick, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving firearms trafficking and unlawful possession of a machinegun. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside officials from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Frederick Police Department.

Authorities began investigating after identifying a Telegram channel that advertised firearms and devices capable of converting semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. These conversion devices are commonly referred to as “Glock switches.” During their investigation, postal inspectors intercepted a parcel addressed to Bartgis’s residence in Frederick that contained a Glock 23 handgun with an extended magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition.

A subsequent search of Bartgis’s home led law enforcement officers to recover another firearm—a Glock 29—as well as three machinegun conversion devices. Officers also found over 400 rounds of ammunition, multiple gun cases, magazines both loaded and unloaded, various firearm parts and accessories, manufacturing tools, and empty boxes for privately made firearms known as “ghost guns,” which lack serial numbers.

In addition to the weapons and equipment, authorities seized $21,660 in cash and Bartgis’s cell phone. According to investigators, conversations on the phone revealed discussions about illegally purchasing firearms and trafficking both guns and conversion devices. Bartgis is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies at all levels and community organizations. In May 2021, the Department implemented a strategy aimed at strengthening PSN through building trust in communities, supporting violence prevention groups, focusing enforcement efforts strategically, and tracking results.

“U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS, ATF, and FPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Rigney who is prosecuting the case.”

Further information about the priorities and resources available through the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/ as well as https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.