United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz has announced the recent indictments of nine individuals charged in federal court for violations of federal gun laws. Among these charges are offenses related to the illegal possession of machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears.”
“Our citizens deserve to feel safe in their city, and that’s why there is no higher priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than reducing violent crime in Memphis,” said United States Attorney Ritz. “As these recent indictments show, federal authorities in the Memphis area are vigorously enforcing federal firearms laws, including the laws prohibiting highly dangerous machine gun conversion devices. Those individuals who are driving the violence in our city will face significant federal penalties where the evidence establishes violations of federal law.”
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One of the indictments involves Wayne Sanders, 31, of Memphis, Tennessee, who was charged on June 11, 2024. Sanders is accused of possessing a Romarm Cugir 7.62 caliber pistol, a Glock .45 caliber pistol, and a Glock 9mm caliber pistol, which had been converted to a machine gun. If convicted, Sanders faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment.
Additional defendants charged with federal crimes involving switches include:
– Jeremy Walker, 32, indicted on March 12, 2024, for drug and gun crimes, including possessing a firearm with a switch.
– Leon Moore, 26, indicted on May 30, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun.
– Camron Taylor, 21, indicted on May 30, 2024, for possessing a machine gun.
– Montez Carr, 20, indicted on May 30, 2024, for possessing a machine gun.
Other defendants charged with firearm or violent crime-related offenses include:
– Jocquel Williams, 28, indicted on May 30, 2024, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
– Al Kendrick Malone, 22, indicted on May 30, 2024, for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
– Cedric Arnold, 35, indicted on May 30, 2024, for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
– Jartavius Lewis, 20, indicted on May 30, 2024, for possessing a machine gun.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Gun Task Force. Anyone with information about switches or other federal gun crimes can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
These indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, using data-driven methods for enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Source: Read Original Release
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