Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Delaware Man Sentenced for Violation of National Firearms Act
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney Davis C. Weiss announced that Mark Nepi, 46, of Wilmington, was sentenced on June 29, 2023, to 60 months in federal prison for a violation of the National Firearms Act. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2022, Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Delaware State Police executed a federal search warrant at Nepi’s home based on a Delaware State Police arrest where Nepi was in possession of illegal explosives. Found inside Nepi’s home during the search warrant were eleven firearm silencers, a grenade, explosives in various stages of completion, flash powder chemicals, and remote firing devices and switches.
The silencers recovered during the search qualified as a firearm under National Firearms Act and were not registered to Nepi, a requirement pursuant to federal law.
Commenting on the case, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, ‘Identifying and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess the weapons found in Mr. Nepi’s home is a priority for my office. I wish to recognize the successful investigative efforts of HSI Philadelphia, ATF and the Delaware State Police. Their efforts resulted in a significant federal prison sentence, which helps to keep our communities safe.”
“Weapons such as those seized from Mark Nepi pose real threats and dangers to our communities,” said William S. Walker Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “The exploitation of international shipping avenues to import these dangerous weapons is illegal. HSI is dedicated to stopping the illicit trade in these items that pose a very serious risk to the safety of the American public.”
“Illegally importing and illegally possessing firearms is a potential precursor to violent acts and can create environments that can put law-abiding citizens at risk,” said ATF Baltimore Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Persails. “ATF is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners every day to identify and investigate those individuals who continue to use and acquire firearms through the illegal market, threatening the safety of Delaware communities.”
This case was investigated by HSI, ATF, and Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and former District of Delaware Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-44.