Benjamin Ashford|Maryland man wanted after 'extensive collection' of 3D-printed ghost guns found at his home

A man is Benjamin Ashfordwanted out of southern Maryland and facing several weapons charges and an assault charge after authorities found 80 firearms in his home, including 3D-printed weapons.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to a home in Lexington Park Thursday night about a domestic assault incident, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

The suspect, Jerod Adam Taylor, fled the scene before authorities got there but during their investigation, deputies found multiple guns, which Taylor is not allowed to have due to prior convictions. Taylor is also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for theft, the sheriff’s office said.

The next day, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division searched the home and nearby vehicles, the sheriff’s office said in its news release. 

Calling their findings “an extensive collection of weapons,” authorities said they found multiple 3D-printed “ghost guns” without serial numbers, semi-automatic rifles, handguns, shotguns, an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle and more.

Investigators also found large-capacity magazines, 18 suppressors, 74 auto sears or devices that convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic firearms. 

Investigators also reported finding over 1,300 rounds of ammunition, body armor, a 3D-printed, fully automatic rifle with an auto sear, a short-barreled rifle, 3D printers and multiple gun-manufacturing tools, the news release said.

What is a ghost gun?

A ghost gun is a gun made privately without a serial number on the frame or receiver, according to the Office of the Attorney General in Maryland.

According to the office, it is illegal to purchase, sell or transfer a firearm without a serial number. The law went into effect on June 1, 2022. As of May 2023, it is illegal to possess an a gun without a serial number, the office said.

Taylor, who is wanted out of St. Mary’s County, is facing multiple charges including:

• Illegal possession of ammunition
• Unlawful possession of an assault weapon with intent to sell
• Unlawful possession of a detached magazine over ten rounds
• Rapid fire trigger activator violation
• Failure to keep a machine gun registered
• Possession of a machine gun for an aggressive purpose
• Illegal possession of a regulated firearm
• Possession of a rifle or shotgun by a disqualified person
• Possession of an unregistered rifle or shotgun
• Second-degree assault

“Taylor has not been located and should be considered armed and dangerous,” the sheriff’s office shared about the 39-year-old suspect.

The sheriff’s office said Taylor has a fair complexion, brown hair, brown eyes, weighs 150 pounds and stands at 5-foot-10 inches tall. 

“If you spot him, do not approach him, but immediately call 911,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

The sheriff’s office asks that anyone with information contact Detective First Class David Lawrence at (301) 475-4200, ext. 8130, or at [email protected].

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].