Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BOSTON – A Somerville, Mass. man was arrested today and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. During a search of the defendant’s residence today, it is alleged that numerous privately made firearms (PMF’s) otherwise known as, “ghost guns;” firearm suppressors; 3D printers; and ammunition in varying calibers were found.
Robert Butland, 38, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Butland appeared in federal court in Boston today for an initial appearance. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 20, 2025.
According to the charging documents Butland had been purchasing 3D printers and firearm parts and accessories since 2022. During a search executed at Butland’s residence today, law enforcement forcibly opened a locked closet that allegedly contained suspected PMFs, known as “ghost guns.” In addition, the closet allegedly contained numerous solvent traps that are commonly used as illegal firearm suppressors. It is further alleged that additional suspected “ghost guns” were recovered in nightstands, backpacks and coffee table drawers in Butland’s bedroom. Firearm parts, accessories, 3D printers, a work bench and tools consistent with tools that would be required for the assembly and manufacture of firearms were also discovered. Lastly, it is alleged that ammunition varying in calibers was recovered, including 9mm luger ammunition, Frontier 5.56 Hornady ammunition and 7.62x39mm ammunition.
Butland is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior state convictions in Lawrence District Court for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and wanton destruction of property. According to court document’s Butland 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 of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
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.