By: Richard L. Smith
A 21-year-old North Bergen resident is facing federal charges after investigators allegedly discovered dozens of machinegun conversion devices and a cache of 3D-printed firearm components inside his home.
According to information sent by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, Erick Marquez Cruz, an undocumented citizen of El Salvador living in North Bergen, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession of machineguns.
Federal authorities said Cruz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court, where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
Investigators allege that on June 25, 2026, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cruz's residence in North Bergen.
During the search, authorities said they located a 3D printer believed to have been used to manufacture firearm components, along with a large quantity of partially completed and finished parts.
Among the items seized were approximately 17 3D-printed firearm frames, multiple 3D-printed magazines, and roughly 70 machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as MCDs.
Federal prosecutors said machinegun conversion devices are classified as machineguns under federal law because they are designed to convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.
If convicted, Cruz faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or up to twice the gross financial gain or loss associated with the offense, as permitted under federal law.