State Police arrest local man after 1 ghost gun, 34 ghost gun lower receivers, 11 large capacity magazines seized

The Rhode Island State Police today announced that a local man is facing several charges after a firearm investigation.

On Thursday, 40-year-old Jesse Ake of Pawtucket was arrested on numerous weapons charges.

Members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit recently initiated an investigation regarding a subject fraudulently accessing a computer network over the internet. The internet connection at an apartment at 211 Columbus Avenue in Pawtucket, Rhode Island was identified as allegedly facilitating the unlawful access and trespassing of a business’s computer network.

On Thursday, members of the Computer Crimes Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant at Ake’s residence. During the search of the residence, members located 1 ghost gun, 34 ghost gun lower receivers, and 11 large capacity magazines. Additionally, several pieces of digital media, including 3D printers, laptops, and a desktop computer, were seized from Ake’s residence for further forensic examination.

Under Rhode Island General Law § 11-47-8(e), a “ghost gun” is defined as any firearm, including a frame or receiver, that lacks a unique serial number engraved by a licensed manufacturer. These untraceable weapons are often self-assembled from “80% kits” or produced via 3D printing. Under Rhode Island General Law § 11-47.1-3, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, purchase, or possess a large capacity feeding device, defined as any magazine or container capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Ake was charged with Possession of a Ghost Gun (35 counts) in violation of Rhode Island General Law 11-47-8 (e) and Large Capacity Feeding Device(s) Prohibited (11 Counts) in violation of Rhode Island General Law 11-47.1-3. 

Ake was later arraigned at Sixth Division District Court where he was granted $25,000 surety bail.