7 teens arrested for allegedly manufacturing, distributing firearms in Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department says they've made seven arrests connected to an illegal ghost gun manufacturing/distribution operation involving teens ages 16-18.

Law enforcement officials conducted five search warrants between Kenosha and Racine counties on the morning of Wednesday, May 29, and discovered a large-scale operation. 

The sheriff's office says the investigation began after an April burglary in Paddock Lake, when several firearms were stolen. On May 1, a mother called to report that her son was driving around in a car full of guns. Around the same time, several individuals called in "shots fired" reports in the area of Silver Lake. 

A traffic stop yielded several stolen firearms from the April 2 burglary. The sheriff's department says two search warrants were conducted in Paddock Lake and Salem Lakes on the night of May 1, and more stolen firearms were recovered. All of these firearms were confirmed stolen from the Paddock Lake burglary. Officials say these firearms were being sold to high school-aged individuals throughout Kenosha County. 

Kenosha County officials say several firearms were located in the search warrants May 29, along with lower firearm frames with no serial numbers (ghost guns), several Dremmel parts kits for making firearms, pistol and rifle magazines, manufactured firearm parts, firearm accessories and ammunition. 

The sheriff's department says all of the suspects arrested confessed to the manufacturing and selling of firearms. 

Those arrested include 17-year-old Jacob Ehlert-Abbott, 18-year-old George Shepherd and five 16-year-old boys. 

Criminal charges include receiving stolen property, intentionally selling dangerous weapons to a child, possession of a dangerous weapon under the age of 18 and carrying a concealed weapon.