Former Ohio National Guard member accused of making anti-Semitic threats, selling ‘ghost’ guns

A former National Guard member accused of making threats and racist statements online is now facing federal charges connected with making and selling “ghost” guns.

Thomas Develin, 24, of Columbus, used a 3-D printer to make untraceable home weapons and sell them for a profit, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. He also is accused of possessing homemade devices to convert semi-automatic AR-15 rifles and Glock-type pistols into fully automatic machine guns.

Develin was arrested Wednesday morning by federal agents. In March, federal agents searched Develin’s home and found more than 25 firearms.

Prosecutors also say Develin made anti-Semitic and violent statements while he was employed to provide security services at local synagogues and Jewish schools. Officials say Develin also made several anti-Semitic, white nationalist, racist and misogynistic comments on social media while using the fictional name “Patrick Bateman.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the comments include:

• In September 2021, Develin reportedly posted a picture of the synagogue where he was working at the time and stated, in part, “Having an inner debate that if an active shooter comes in I might just join him.”

• In November 2021, Develin reportedly posted a video of himself sniffing a rifle. In the video, Develin says, “This one smells like dead Jews.”

• In a December 2021 Discord post, Develin is accused of writing, “Ight, time to turn wright pat airbase into Fort hood in 2009.”

• In January, Develin allegedly posted a picture of a New Albany synagogue with the text, “The holocaust didn’t happen” and “If anything I’ll scream 6 million wasn’t enough.”

• A Snapchat video in March reportedly shows Develin displaying a firearm at a Jewish school in Columbus.

• Develin also allegedly posted multiple times advocating the rape of women.

Additional messages Develin posted online discussed committing terrorist attacks at John Glenn International Airport and at the Budweiser manufacturing facility in Columbus, and killing a Morgan County Sheriff’s deputy and the deputy’s entire family, prosecutors say.

Develin has been charged in Franklin County Common Pleas Court with various crimes, including making terroristic threats. Those charges remain pending.