Convicted Felon in Pawtucket Allegedly Imported Firearm Silencer & Silencer Parts From China

Convicted Felon in Pawtucket Allegedly Imported Firearm Silencer & Silencer Parts From China

The United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island announced Thursday that a convicted felon residing in Pawtucket -- previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, and explosive devices -- was arrested this week and ordered detained in federal custody on charges of unlawful importation of firearms/silencers.

David Worster, age 35, allegedly ordered from China the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition seized by law enforcement during his arrest, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.

About Investigation

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It is alleged in court documents that in December 2020, a package mailed from China to Worster was examined by Border Protection (CBP) agents and found to contain a firearm silencer or suppressor parts. The contents of the parcel were falsely described on a U.S. Customs form as being a “Fuel Filter.”

Additionally, on August 4, 2021, CBP notified Homeland Security Investigations in Providence of a package mailed in July from China addressed to Worster’s girlfriend. 

A CBP inspection of the contents of the package, and further examination of photographs of the contents of the package by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Technology Industry Services agents, determined that the package contained a firearm silencer. The contents of the package were falsely described on a U.S. Customs form as being “Shoe charm.”

Law Enforcement Action 

On Wednesday, members of the HSI Providence Task Force and the HSI Boston Special Response Team, with the assistance of ATF agents and Pawtucket Police, arrested Worster and executed a court-authorized search of his residence. 

Agents and officers seized a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition, a 9mm magazine, a flak jacket and military style helmet, and various tools and components for constructing firearms.

According to court records, in 2008 Worster was investigated by ATF in Massachusetts for drug trafficking and for selling a firearm. 

At the time of his arrest in December 2008, ATF agents discovered two pipe bombs inside Worster’s storage locker. He was ultimately convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of possession of an explosive device, and resisting arrest. Additionally, in April 2009, Worster was arrested in Massachusetts and convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.