JACKSON, TN – Mekevin Woods, 23, of Bolivar, Tennessee, is facing a lengthy stretch behind bars after a federal judge handed down a 38-month sentence for possession of a machinegun conversion device – commonly known as a “switch.” The sentence, announced today by Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., sends a clear message: arming yourself with illegal weaponry will land you in federal prison.
The case unfolded on December 23, 2023, when a Bolivar Police Department (BPD) officer attempted a routine traffic stop of a gray 2022 Infiniti Q60. Woods, however, wasn’t interested in cooperating. He floored it, leading officers on a reckless high-speed chase that saw him hitting 80 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. The pursuit ended only when Woods, in a desperate attempt to evade capture, drove into oncoming traffic, bailed from the vehicle, and took off running.
But his flight was short-lived. The BPD officer witnessed Woods clutching a firearm as he fled, and with the help of a K-9 unit, quickly apprehended him. A search revealed a loaded Glock handgun, equipped with a 32-round extended magazine and the illegal machinegun conversion device. Adding insult to injury, the Infiniti Q60 turned out to be stolen out of Memphis – a vehicle likely used in the furtherance of criminal activity.
Investigators quickly connected Woods to the TMO 45 gang, a particularly nasty hybrid operation comprised of both adult and juvenile members. This crew isn’t just messing around; they’re heavily involved in firearms and narcotics trafficking, and are responsible for a string of shooting incidents plaguing Fayette and Hardeman Counties. This wasn’t a lone incident, but a piece of a larger, violent puzzle.
The investigation was a joint effort, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Jackson Resident Agency, and the Bolivar Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Woods faced the full weight of federal law. The message is clear: federal agencies are coordinating to dismantle these dangerous organizations.
This conviction underscores the ongoing commitment of federal and local law enforcement to crack down on illegal firearms and the gangs that use them to terrorize communities. For media inquiries, contact USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Stay updated on U.S. Attorney’s Office news on Facebook or X (@WDTNNews).
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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