For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts
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.