EAST ST. LOUIS — A 42-year-old Altamont man has been charged in federal court with illegally possessing firearms.

James Kraus II is facing one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of illegal importation of a firearm.

According to the charging document, Kraus is accused of possessing the firearms in November 2023. Due to a prior domestic violence conviction, Kraus is unable to legally possess firearms.

The Government alleges that Kraus illegally possessed dozens of firearms including an automatic weapon, multiple short-barreled rifles and silencers.

As outlined in the indictment, the Government is seeking forfeiture of Kraus’ nine commercially manufactured firearms, seven silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

In addition, Kraus is accused of manufacturing unregistered ghost guns with a 3D printer and if convicted, he must forfeit 11 privately made firearms including four pistols and seven rifles.

The Government is also seeking forfeiture of Kraus’ computer, 3-D printer, and other firearm manufacturing tools.

If convicted, Kraus could face up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $250,000.