In messages and photographs viewed by federal agents, William Viera, of Taunton, is alleged to have provided self-incriminating evidence that he had a 3D printer in order to make guns that he planned on selling.

Gun frames and receivers can be made from 3D printers to create what is referred to as a “ghost gun,” and federal prosecutors allege that Viera, 33, dealt in guns that were illicitly and privately made, according to an announcement Thursday by U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins.

“I got a 3d printer so I’ve been ... [explicit] around with the settings and I got a ar 9 (sic) on the plate printing right now,” Viera allegedly told a witness cooperating with federal agents. After telling the witness that he had better luck after a few attempts at making guns, Viera stated his confidence at being able to successfully build guns. Viera also allegedly boasted in messages of other deals he had made and of money he had received for guns.

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