A Las Vegas man, Noel Lynn Waters, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a privately made AR-15-pattern pistol without a serial number, commonly known as a “ghost gun.” Court documents indicate that on October 20, 2023, Waters was found with a loaded 5.56x45mm semi-automatic pistol featuring an AR-15-style lower receiver. During the incident, Waters admitted to pointing the firearm at another individual and threatening to “shoot everybody.”
Waters has several previous felony convictions in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas. His record includes prior convictions for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Clark County, Nevada; possession of controlled substances for sale; unlawful possession or use of tear gas; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm; and transportation or sale of controlled substances in Los Angeles County. Due to these convictions, he is legally barred from owning firearms.
He pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and faces up to 15 years in prison. Sentencing is set for January 14, 2026, before United States District Judge James C. Mahan. The final sentence will be determined after consideration of federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division announced the plea.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity can contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit an anonymous tip online at www.reportit.com/.
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