Philip Shearer, a 49-year-old resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 115 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing an unregistered firearm. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick on July 14, 2025.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Shearer pled guilty to possessing a privately-manufactured short-barrel rifle that was not registered. Authorities found more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity magazines, night vision goggles, and a ghillie suit in his home. Shearer has a criminal history that includes 14 prior convictions such as five for driving under the influence, one for indecent assault, and one for domestic violence. He had previously attempted to purchase firearms but was denied after background checks and then began manufacturing them himself.
Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens stated: “The sentencing of Philip Shearer emphasizes the serious dangers posed by felons who unlawfully possess and manufacture firearms. Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners, like ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, to ensure that dangerous criminals with a history of violence are not allowed to possess firearms.”
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division added: “Protecting our communities from dangerous criminals like Philip Shearer is a top ATF priority. With 14 criminal convictions, including multiple driving under the influence, indecent assault, and a domestic violence conviction, the law duly prohibits him from owning the unregistered short-barrel rifle he manufactured for himself after he was prevented from buying a firearm. Working with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, we are making our communities safer one case at a time.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime through coordinated efforts among federal agencies such as OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood.
