A Somerville man was arrested on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm after law enforcement allegedly discovered multiple “ghost guns,” firearm suppressors, 3D printers, and various types of ammunition at his residence. Robert Butland, 38, appeared in federal court in Boston for an initial hearing and remains in custody pending a detention hearing set for August 20, 2025.
According to charging documents, authorities say Butland had been purchasing 3D printers as well as firearm parts and accessories since 2022. During the search of his home, officers reportedly forced open a locked closet that contained suspected privately made firearms (PMFs), also known as “ghost guns.” The closet also allegedly held solvent traps commonly used as illegal firearm suppressors. Additional suspected ghost guns were found in other locations within the bedroom, including nightstands, backpacks, and coffee table drawers. Authorities further reported finding firearm parts, accessories, several 3D printers, a work bench, and tools believed to be used for assembling firearms. Ammunition recovered included various calibers such as 9mm Luger, Frontier 5.56 Hornady, and 7.62x39mm.
Butland is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions in Lawrence District Court for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and wanton destruction of property. He also has state convictions for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B controlled substance, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Somerville Police Department; the Boston Police Department; and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.”
“The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
