Rhode Island Man Charged with Possessing Unregistered Machine Gun

man with gunPhoto byPhoto by Specna Arms

Burlington, VT - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that a federal grand jury in Burklgton, Vermont has indicted Brenden Sackal, 31, of Rockville, Rhode Island, on charges related to the possession of an unregistered machine gun, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont announced on August 8, 2024. Sackal is accused of possessing a machine gun without a serial number, in violation of the National Firearms Act.

The indictment alleges that on July 14, 2024, Sackal knowingly possessed a privately manufactured 5.56 caliber AR-type pistol that was both unregistered and lacked the necessary identification number required by federal law. The National Firearms Act mandates the registration of machine guns and other specific categories of dangerous weapons, all of which must also bear a serial number for identification.

While Sackal’s federal arraignment date has not yet been scheduled, he was expected to appear in Caledonia Superior Court on related charges today.

If convicted on the federal charges, Sackal faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court, guided by the United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Vermont State Police. He also acknowledged the efforts of U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office in Sackal's apprehension on July 14, 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt is prosecuting the case. As of now, Sackal has not retained legal representation for the federal charges.

This case falls under the broader scope of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting preventive measures, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.

Sackal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.