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Hudsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Former Hudsonville High Star Athlete Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge
Ethan Carter faces up to 10 years in prison for possession and transfer of a machine gun conversion device.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Ethan Carter, a 19-year-old former star athlete at Hudsonville High School, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possession and transfer of a machine gun. The charges stem from an incident last June where Carter gave an unnamed person a device that converts a semi-automatic gun into a machine gun. ATF agents later found six more such devices, as well as a Glock pistol with the conversion piece installed, during a search of Carter's home.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing issue of illegal firearm modifications and the potential dangers they pose to public safety, especially when connected to young individuals with promising athletic careers. It also raises questions about how such devices can be obtained and the need for stricter regulations around the sale and possession of these types of gun conversion kits.
The details
In June 2025, Ethan Carter gave an unnamed person a device that converts a semi-automatic gun into a machine gun. Several weeks later, ATF agents searched Carter's home and found six more such conversion devices, as well as a Glock pistol with the conversion piece installed. Carter pleaded guilty to the federal charge of possession and transfer of a machine gun on February 12, 2026.
- In June 2025, Carter gave an unnamed person a machine gun conversion device.
- Several weeks later, ATF agents searched Carter's home and found six more conversion devices and a Glock pistol with the conversion piece installed.
- On February 12, 2026, Carter pleaded guilty to the federal charge.
- Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2026.
The players
Ethan Carter
A 19-year-old former star athlete at Hudsonville High School who pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possession and transfer of a machine gun.
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the federal law enforcement agency that searched Carter's home and found the illegal gun conversion devices.
What’s next
Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2026 and could face up to 10 years in prison.
The takeaway
This case underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement around the sale and possession of gun conversion devices, which can easily transform legal firearms into illegal and potentially dangerous machine guns. It also raises concerns about how such devices are being obtained by young people and the broader implications for public safety.
