LEAD, S.D. – A Lead plan has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a machine gun.
Ray Allen Steele, 62, will have a second charge against him dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea.
Steele was arrested in 2024 after authorities receive a tip about his building guns in his basement.
Steele was prohibited from owning guns because of past crimes in South Dakota and California.
A search turned up 7 guns along with a man-made bunker where authorities found ammo, a gun safe and more.
Steele faces up to ten years in prison when he is sentenced.