SAUGUS — New details released by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutors are shedding further light on the arrest of a former Western New England University student accused of multiple weapons-related offenses, as a planned bail hearing in the case has now been withdrawn.
James McNary, 18, of Saugus, was arraigned on March 12 in Springfield District Court following an investigation that began when university officials reported serious violations of campus weapons policy.
According to authorities, McNary had already been expelled when Massachusetts State Police were called to the campus on March 11. During a protective sweep of his dormitory room, Western New England University Campus Safety officers discovered a 3D printer device along with the lower frame of what appeared to be a Glock-style handgun.
State troopers responded and soon located McNary operating a vehicle nearby. He was stopped and interviewed as part of the investigation before ultimately being taken into custody.
Further examination of the dorm room led investigators to seize additional items, including knives, swords, and other hand-held weapons. Authorities also recovered a gas mask, night vision goggles, a pressure cooker, and ball bearings — items that raised additional safety concerns.
Investigators later determined that the firearm component found in the room was the lower portion of a pistol and that McNary did not possess a valid License to Carry or Firearms Identification (FID) card, both required under Massachusetts law.
McNary is now facing multiple charges, including using a 3D printer to manufacture a firearm, improper storage of a firearm, manufacturing an untraceable firearm, and possession of a firearm without an FID card.
At his arraignment, prosecutors requested that bail be set at $500,000. The court instead set bail at $50,000 with conditions if posted.
McNary had been scheduled to return to court for a bail review hearing in Hampden Superior Court on March 16 at his own request. However, in a recent development, his attorney withdrew that petition, canceling the hearing.
As a result, the original bail conditions remain in place. McNary is now expected back in court on April 8 for further proceedings.
Western New England University has stated there is no ongoing threat to the campus and that it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
