The federal government accuses a Live Oak father and son of illegally owning and trying to sell silencers for guns. The silencers were not registered, the U.S. Attorney said.

Monday, the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office warned of an FBI operation taking place. Federal agents arrested 44-year-old Dustin Eward and 24-year-old Greg Eward.

According to a criminal complaint, the Ewards own a company, which says sells "Solvent traps," but prosecutors say those are actually gun silencers, or suppressors.

Federal prosecutors say an undercover agent purchased three silencers from the Ewards. They say it is illegal for a person to have a silencer that is not registered, and it can also be illegal to sell silencers.

Dustin Eward is also accused of threatening to kill a federal law enforcement officer.

"On April 15, 2022, he emailed a federal agent and stated, among other things, “Your actions are an act of war against all Americans, and I will respond accordingly.” He also stated, “I have nothing left to lose. Arrest me? Kill me? .... Death is an upgrade. The only dream I have left is to take you with me.” He further stated, “You will call off your attack, or I will defend myself the only way I have left; with maximum violence.” He concluded the email, “I’m willing to die in this fight. Are you? I will not submit to satanic traitors," a press release said.

The case involves work from the FBI, ATF, Live Oak Police, the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.