A Holyoke man arrested Friday faces federal charges after investigators said he illegally owned multiple unregistered guns and conversion devices that allow a firearm to operate as a machine gun.

Daniel A. Augusto, 56, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on charges of unlawful possession of machine guns, six counts of unlawful possession of unregistered firearms and one count of making false statements to the FBI, according to the office of United States Attorney Rachael Rollins.

He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Springfield Friday afternoon.

“Guns are deadly weapons. There are strict requirements regarding licensing for and registering of firearms,” Rollins said. “We believe Mr. Augusto not only unlawfully possessed numerous unregistered firearms, but also possessed a stockpile of machine guns and conversion devices that have the capability to rapidly cause death and destruction.”

Federal investigators said Augusto owned a range of firearms, more than three dozen gun conversion devices classified as machine guns under federal law, and several magazines and silencers — all unregistered.

His stock included a rifle with a modified machine gun trigger, 38 Glock machine gun conversion devices, and multiple other firearms.

During a conversation with the FBI on Feb. 23, federal officials said Augusto told agents that the firearms in his home belonged to his son and girlfriend and that he had not asked them to purchase weapons on his behalf. Those statements were false, the FBI said.

If convicted, Augusto could face up to 10 years in prison.

“Gun laws are in place for a reason,” Rollins said. “The conduct alleged here is very serious.”

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