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Salem Man Held on $100,000 Bail After Seizure of Pyrotechnic Chemicals and Ghost-Gun Parts

Authorities say tips about shipments prompted subpoenas that uncovered a cache of pyrotechnic chemicals.

Overview

  • Patrick Gordon, 42, pleaded not guilty in Salem District Court to possessing an incendiary device and an unlicensed assault weapon.
  • Police say a Dec. 22 search of his Harbor Street apartment uncovered a 3-D printer, assault-style rifle components, a thermite kit, and flash powder that is illegal to possess in Massachusetts.
  • Investigators report they subpoenaed Amazon purchase records and worked with the U.S. Postal Service after learning of large-capacity magazines sent to his mother’s home in Bedford, New Hampshire.
  • Prosecutors say the seized fuels and oxidizers, whether alone or in combination, could be used to make destructive devices, and Gordon does not hold a Massachusetts license to carry or firearm identification card.
  • The defense says Gordon has no history of violence and argues the alleged AR-15 is not a functioning firearm, with the next court date scheduled for January.