Boston Man Arrested for Possession of Machinegun

BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested today for unlawful possession of a machinegun.  

James Thelwell-Mullen, 31, has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Thelwell-Mullen made his initial appearance in federal court today and was ordered detained pending a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.  

According to the indictment, on or around April 28, 2023, Thelwell-Mullen unlawfully possessed a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch” – a device designed to enable a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire automatically.

The charging statute 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 other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.