A federal jury in Benton, Illinois, convicted Yaroslav Vishnevski, 33, of Harrisburg, Illinois, on five counts of violating the National Firearms Act after approximately 30 minutes of deliberation [1][2]. The charges arose from the discovery of unregistered short-barreled rifles and silencers that prosecutors alleged Vishnevski manufactured and possessed at his residence [1]. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois prosecuted the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Leggans leading the government's trial team [2].
At trial, prosecutors characterized Vishnevski's home as a functioning firearms manufacturing operation [1]. Evidence included multiple 3D printers, a Ghost Gunner desktop milling machine used to finish unserialized firearm receivers, and close to 80 pounds of aluminum shavings consistent with milling activity [1][2]. The jury found Vishnevski guilty of manufacturing unregistered short-barreled rifles, possessing unregistered short-barreled rifles, possessing unregistered silencers, and possessing additional modified firearms, all in violation of the NFA's registration and tax requirements [1][2].
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled [2]. NFA violations carry substantial federal exposure, and the volume and variety of the contraband, combined with evidence of active manufacturing rather than mere possession, may factor into the government's sentencing position.
No post-trial motions or notice of appeal had been filed in publicly available records as of the verdict date [1][2]. Defense counsel Joshua Richards represented Vishnevski at trial; no post-verdict statement from the defense appeared in the source material [1].