A Minnesota man's fascination with firearms has landed him behind bars for more than six years. River William Smith, 21, of Savage, has been sentenced to 80 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machine gun and expressed intent to acquire hand grenades, the U.S. Attorney's office announced.
It all started when the FBI caught wind of Smith's alarming activities at a local gun range in September 2022. According to court documents, Smith was reported by citizens for his disturbing behavior, he was even found to sympathize with mass shooters and had an arsenal that included AR-style rifles, handguns, and tactical gear.
Smith's downfall was set in motion when he started messaging an FBI confidential human source in November and December of 2022, discussing his desire to modify his weapons. In one instance, he sent a $60 down payment for auto sears – illegal devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns – and later sought to arm himself with military-grade M67 fragmentary grenades.
Smith was arrested after a sting operation on December 14 when he handed over $690 in cash in exchange for three inert grenades and auto sears. "He stated he is 'pro mass shooting,' sympathized with the Parkland school shooter, and expressed admiration for the individual charged with the recent shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub," according to the same documents.
The sentencing was carried out in U.S. District Court by Judge David S. Doty. Following his prison term, Smith will be subjected to three years of supervised release. The case, resulting from collaborative efforts between the FBI and the Savage Police Department, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Justin Sher.
