Frederick Man Pleads Guilty In Firearms Trafficking, Unlawful Possession Of A Machine Gun

He was in US District Court in Baltimore on Tuesday.Baltimore, Md (KM) A Frederick man on Tuesday pleaded guilty in federal court to one count each of firearms trafficking and unlawful possession of a machine gun.  Jonathan Drew Bartgis, 26, was in US District Count in Baltimore.The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says the investigation into Bartgis began when the US Postal Inspection Service and ATF monitored a channel on Telegram which advertised the sale of firearms and machine-gun conversion devices called “Glock switches.” They can covert semi-automatic Glock-style pistols into fully automatic firearms.Through their investigation, federal  authorities learned  a package was coming to Bartgis’ home in Frederick. Postal Inspectors obtained a search warrant on the parcel. They opened it and found a Glock 23, 40-cliaber semi-automatic  handgun with an extended magazine, and 30 rounds of ammunition.A search warrant was also served on Bartgis’ home where postal inspectors, and Frederick Police Officers found a Glock 29. 10mm semi-automatic firearm;  three  “Glock switches;” 400 rounds of ammunition; numerous loaded and unloaded firearms;  parts and accessories and manufacturing tools; empty boxes for privately  made firearms called “ghost gun;” and $21,660 in cash. Federal authorities located Bartgis’ cell phone which contained conversations between the defendant and others about the illegal purchase of recovered firearms, and trafficking of firearms and Glock switches.No date was set for Bartgis’ sentencing.This US Attorney’s Office says this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is program  that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent  crime and gun violence. The goal is to make neighborhoods safe  for everyone.By Kevin McManus