Skip to main content
Press Release

Anchorage Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Machinegun and Silencers

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Michael Lee Graves, 20, of Anchorage, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machinegun and possession of an unregistered firearm (silencer).  Graves was arrested on the charges on May 7, 2019, and was ordered detained pending trial.

According to the complaint, on April 28, 2019, the FBI received an online tip that Graves was posting racially motivated extremist views on his social media accounts, that he had weapons, and that the tipster was concerned about his potential for violence.  That same day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted a package from China addressed to “Mike G” at an Anchorage address.  The complaint alleges the package contained a full auto selector switch for a Glock handgun.  A full auto selector switch, which is not an authentic Glock part, is designed and intended to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a machinegun.    

On May 7, 2019, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Graves.  The complaint alleges that Graves admitted to ordering the selector switch online, and that he also manufactured silencers from parts purchased online.  A search of Graves’ apartment revealed two unregistered silencers, one of which had a swastika and “1488” painted on it.         

If convicted, Graves faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sayers-Fay.

The FBI notes that this investigation began with a tip from a concerned citizen.  The FBI encourages Alaskans who may have concerns or information about similar crimes to contact the FBI at 907-276-4441 or through its online anonymous tip portal.

The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Contact

Chloe Martin
Public Affairs Officer
907-271-4244

Updated August 5, 2021

Topic
Firearms Offenses
Component