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3D-printed gun maker Cody Wilson is in the US and out on bond after sexual assault charges

3D-printed gun maker Cody Wilson is in the US and out on bond after sexual assault charges

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Chris Messina

After a search in Taiwan, the controversial 3D-printed gun maker Cody Wilson has been returned to the United States and is out on bond as he faces charges alleging that he sexually assaulted a minor.

Last week, authorities in Texas announced that Wilson was charged after allegedly paying a 16-year-old for sex. At the time of the announcement, Wilson was in Taiwan, but he was quickly apprehended and returned to the United States.

According to local media, Wilson posted a $150,000 bond in Texas and is out of jail, ahead of his case being transferred to a different county. Reporters captured video of Wilson exiting the courthouse yesterday.

Wilson faces the charges while embroiled in a national battle over 3D-printed firearms. His company, Defense Distributed, fought for years to make blueprints of the weapons available online, but it was stymied by State Department officials. Recently, after an agreement with the Trump administration, Wilson planned to again make the blueprints available, but several states intervened, creating a new legal challenge that was unfolding in court when the Texas charges were announced.

“We are glad that Cody is back in Texas again where we can work with him on his case,” Wilson’s attorney said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle. “That’s our focus right now, representing our client and preparing his defense.”