10 Years for Gun-Toting Felon Malando Bates

A Fort Worth man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for violating firearms laws in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

Malando Bates, 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on March 9, 2023. U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant’s sentence of 120 months was an upward departure from the recommended guideline range.

Bates had a history of firearm-related offenses, and Judge Mazzant noted that he possessed a Glock pistol with a Glock switch attached, which converts the semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon. Judge Mazzant further stated that a sentence of 120 months would serve to protect society.

On October 24, 2021, law enforcement encountered Bates after hearing gunshots. Initially, Bates falsely identified himself as his brother and claimed he was a U.S. Marine. He subsequently admitted to law enforcement that he lied about his identity because he was a convicted felon and knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Bates was found to be in possession of several firearms, including a Glock pistol with a Glock switch, a fully loaded 30-round magazine, and two AR-style rifles with loaded magazines. Glock switches are devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.

“Possession of firearms by convicted felons is inherently dangerous for society,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “But that danger increases exponentially when prohibited individuals possess firearms containing switches that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns.”

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Highland Village Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey M. Batson.