Glock Switch King Gets 24 Years Behind Bars

Columbia, SC – Laclarence Anderson, 43, will spend the next two decades of his life in a federal cage after a jury slammed him with a 297-month sentence – 24 years with no chance of parole – for trafficking in firearms and narcotics. The verdict, delivered today by Judge Currie, marks a significant blow against the flow of illegal weapons fueling violence in South Carolina and beyond.

Anderson wasn’t just selling guns; he was peddling danger. Federal agents and Richland County Sheriff’s deputies caught him red-handed, dealing firearms and drugs to confidential informants during a series of meetings in May and June. Crucially, among the weapons Anderson hawked was a Glock pistol illegally modified with an automatic switch – a device that transforms a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic machine gun, capable of unleashing a devastating hail of bullets. This isn’t some minor modification; it’s a felony that carries a hefty penalty, and one that drastically escalates the lethality of the weapon.

The stakes were even higher. Investigators quickly discovered that two of the firearms Anderson pushed onto the streets were already linked to violent crimes in neighboring counties. One had been used in a recent attempted homicide, the other in a completed homicide. This wasn’t theoretical danger; these were guns already circulating, already leaving a trail of blood. The feds are tight-lipped on the specifics of tracing those weapons, but the implication is clear: Anderson’s actions directly contributed to the escalating gun violence plaguing the region.

Anderson’s criminal history is a mile long, and predictably stacked with similar offenses. As a convicted felon, he was already prohibited from possessing any firearms. His rap sheet includes prior convictions for aggravated assault, armed robbery, and multiple drug and weapons violations. This wasn’t a first-time offender making a mistake; this was a repeat criminal knowingly and deliberately flouting the law, profiting from the misery of others. While the feds haven’t revealed the source of Anderson’s firearms, investigators are likely probing his network to identify suppliers and dismantle the entire operation.

The twelve counts Anderson faced covered a range of federal crimes, including illegal firearms trafficking, possession of a machine gun, and drug distribution. The automatic switch alone carries a minimum of 10 years in prison. Combined with his prior criminal record and the connection to existing violent crimes, the 24-year sentence handed down by Judge Currie reflects the severity of his offenses and the danger he posed to the community. Sentencing guidelines for these charges typically range from 15 to 30 years, but the judge clearly opted for the maximum given the aggravating factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein spearheaded the prosecution, presenting a compelling case built on the testimony of confidential informants and forensic evidence linking Anderson to the illegal firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, working in close collaboration with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF is currently facing increased scrutiny and funding requests to combat the proliferation of these dangerous “ghost guns” and illegal modifications. This case underscores the critical need for continued cooperation between federal and local law enforcement to stem the tide of gun violence.

This case also highlights the growing problem of Glock switches. These relatively inexpensive devices are easily obtainable online and allow criminals to turn ordinary handguns into weapons of mass destruction. Law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to keep pace with the increasing number of modified firearms appearing at crime scenes. The Anderson case serves as a warning to anyone involved in the trafficking of these dangerous devices: the feds are watching, and the penalties are severe.

The ripple effects of this conviction are likely to extend beyond Anderson himself. The ATF and Richland County Sheriff’s Department are expected to continue investigating Anderson’s associates, potentially leading to additional arrests and seizures of illegal firearms. This isn’t just about taking one criminal off the streets; it’s about disrupting an entire network and preventing further violence.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice