Christopher Gammon II, Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A Belen teen is facing federal charges for allegedly possessing a machine gun conversion device. Christopher Gammon II, 19, is charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun.

The indictment alleges that on June 28, 2024, Gammon possessed a machine gun conversion device. Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm so it is capable of fully automatic fire, that is, continuous firing with a single trigger pull.

The possession, manufacture, and/or sale of machine gun conversion devices without proper licensing is a federal offense punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The use of machine gun conversion devices poses a significant public safety risk, as they transform semi-automatic firearms into dangerous machine guns capable of causing catastrophic harm.

Gammon appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently set for February 10, 2025. If convicted, Gammon faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

The case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Eagle is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The charges come as a warning to those who possess or manufacture machine gun conversion devices, which are designed to circumvent federal laws. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and other law enforcement officials are working to prevent the proliferation of these devices and keep communities safe from the risks they pose.

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