Lead man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun

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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.