Ghost Gun Manufacturer Receives State Prison Term

September 26, 2023

Russell Byron Norton.
Credit: Bucks County District Attorney’s Office

A Bensalem Township man who manufactured “ghost guns” received a sentence of 15 to 30 years in state prison from a Bucks County judge on Monday.

Russell Byron Norton, 32, was sentenced by Bucks County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Wallace Bateman following his December arrest by Bristol Township police and the Bucks County Detectives’ Drug Strike Force.

“Investigators charged Norton with more firearms sales and possession offenses than anyone else in recent Bucks County history,” a statement from the district attorney’s office said.

The investigation, which began in 2021, was first made public in June when LevittownNow.com reported on related court documents.

Detectives found that Norton manufactured firearms privately, including AR-15 and AK-47 rifles, as well as other caliber handguns. He was involved in the possession, construction, sale, and delivery of these weapons, authorities said.

In August, Norton pleaded guilty to 82 counts, including corrupt organizations, prohibited possession of a firearm, and other related charges. He also faced charges in a second case, pleading guilty to possession of contraband in county jail and drug-related offenses, prosecutors said.

The arrest stemmed from a yearlong investigation which concluded on Dec. 21, 2022, when officers executed search warrants at Norton’s Bensalem Township residence and his Bristol Township business.

Authorities said they located 13 firearms at his home, including ghost gun handguns and rifles. At his business, 18 firearms, some in various production stages, were discovered, along with manufacturing tools.

Due to a prior conviction and an active New Jersey warrant, Pennsylvania law barred Norton from having firearms.

In additions to the Bucks County Detectives’ Drug Strike Force and Bristol Township police, investigation included support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bensalem Township police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Squad.