Glock Switch Lands Richmond 70 Months Behind Bars

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Theoplus Richmond, 34, of Minneapolis is headed to federal prison for 70 months after being sentenced today for illegal firearm possession. U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud also tacked on three years of supervised release following Richmond’s stint behind bars. The case highlights the ongoing crackdown on felons illegally armed and the increasingly dangerous trend of converting handguns into fully automatic weapons.

The bust went down on March 2, 2021, when Minneapolis police, acting on a warrant, pulled over Richmond’s vehicle. A search revealed a loaded Glock model 19 pistol stashed in a bag in the trunk. It wasn’t just the presence of the gun that landed Richmond in hot water; investigators quickly determined the firearm had been illegally modified with a “glock switch” – also known as an “auto-sear” – effectively turning a semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. This modification instantly elevated the severity of the charge.

Richmond pleaded guilty on July 20, 2021, to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. His prior criminal history in both Hennepin and Washington Counties (Mississippi) permanently prohibits him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition. This wasn’t a first-time offense, and the court clearly considered his disregard for the law when handing down the sentence. The feds aren’t playing around with repeat offenders and illegal weaponry.

Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats announced the sentencing, emphasizing that this case is part of the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. It’s a collaborative effort bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement to address the most pressing violent crime issues.

The investigation was a joint operation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minneapolis Police Department. These agencies worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a solid case against Richmond, demonstrating a commitment to keeping dangerous weapons off the streets. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha H. Bates and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen.

This sentencing sends a clear message: illegally possessing a firearm, especially a converted automatic weapon, will result in significant federal prison time. The PSN program’s emphasis on focusing on the most violent offenders appears to be yielding results, and Richmond’s case serves as a stark warning to others contemplating similar criminal activity in Minneapolis and beyond. Expect more aggressive enforcement in the coming months.