Tallahassee Gunman Sentenced to 42 Months for Illegal Machinegun Possession

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Artaviyon Cornel Williams, 24, of Tallahassee, was handed a 42-month sentence in federal court for the illegal possession of a machinegun. The sentence came from John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the ongoing battle against violent criminals and their illegal firearms: “Our law enforcement officers are encountering more violent criminals and seizing firearms that have been modified to fire as fully automatic machineguns. My office is committed to supporting efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Court documents detail Williams’ arrest on July 6, 2024, following an incident of aggravated assault outside the Table Lounge in Tallahassee on June 28, 2024. Witnesses stated Williams broke up a fight by brandishing and firing a machinegun-like Glock pistol. Upon his arrest, he possessed a second loaded magazine.

Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department highlighted the department’s dedication to removing illegal firearms: “Modifying a weapon to function as a machine gun is not only illegal but reckless. We’re proud to work with federal partners to hold such violent individuals accountable.”

The case was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuting. Williams’ sentence includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.

This sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to lock their car doors at night to prevent thefts that often lead to firearms in criminal hands.”

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