Crime & Safety
Sangamon County, IL: 18 Guns, 900 Grams of Suspected Pot Seized
Springfield, IL – A domestic battery investigation in Sangamon County led deputies to recover 18 firearms, including two fully automatic AK 47 style machine guns, along with approximately 900 grams of
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-10-14T16:06:22.928Z
Springfield, IL – A domestic battery investigation in Sangamon County led deputies to recover 18 firearms, including two fully automatic AK 47 style machine guns, along with approximately 900 grams of suspected cannabis, authorities announced Wednesday.
According to the Sangamon County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance at approximately 6:26 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at a residence in the 7000 block of Lake Services Road.
During the initial investigation, deputies discovered evidence of a physical altercation and received information suggesting firearms and suspected narcotics were concealed on the property.
Investigators subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant covering the residence and a detached garage.
The search uncovered 18 firearms, including two reported stolen, two fully automatic AK 47 style machine guns, two firearms without serial numbers commonly called ghost guns, and another firearm with a defaced serial number.
Deputies also recovered approximately 900 grams of suspected cannabis, along with scales and materials authorities described as consistent with drug packaging and distribution.
Larry Gillespie, 39, was arrested on a domestic battery allegation and transported to the Sangamon County Jail.
The Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office subsequently filed an additional charge of felon in possession of a weapon.
According to Sangamon County Circuit Clerk records cited by the Sheriff's Office, Gillespie has four previous felony convictions dating to 2008, including offenses involving controlled substances.
Authorities said additional charges related to the recovered firearms and suspected narcotics have been submitted for consideration.
The investigation highlights how a domestic disturbance response can lead to the discovery of alleged weapons and drug related offenses.
Officials have not announced the outcome of the additional submitted charges or provided further details about the origins of the recovered firearms.
All current charges remain allegations, and Gillespie is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.