Executive Summary
- Desmond Belmar, 24, was arrested by FMPD and ATF agents on federal firearm charges.
- Authorities seized an AR pistol, ammunition, and loaded magazines during a search of his home.
- Investigators discovered 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices at the scene.
- Additional federal charges related to the seized contraband are pending.
Authorities in Fort Myers have arrested a 24-year-old man following a joint federal investigation into illegal firearms possession. The Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) announced that Desmond Belmar was taken into custody and faces a federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to FMPD officials, the arrest was the result of a collaborative operation involving the department’s Special Enforcement Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Investigators successfully secured an indictment against Belmar prior to his arrest.
During the execution of a search warrant at Belmar’s residence, law enforcement officers reported seizing a cache of weapons and accessories. An inventory list provided by police includes an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 AR pistol, a rifle magazine containing three rounds, various ammunition, and three handgun magazines loaded with live rounds.
Significantly, investigators noted the discovery of 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices within the home. These devices are capable of modifying semi-automatic firearms to fire fully automatically. Police stated that Belmar was arrested on the existing warrant, though additional federal charges related to the items seized during the search remain pending.
Investigative Outlook
This case highlights the increasing focus of federal law enforcement on the proliferation of 3D-printed firearm components, particularly conversion devices that render standard firearms into illegal machine guns. As the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives continues to target the distribution channels of these devices, local partnerships with agencies like the FMPD are critical for executing search warrants and securing indictments. It is important to note that all individuals, including Mr. Belmar, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
