Karime Williams, Possessing a Glock Machine Gun, Virgin Islands 2019
Local Man Charged with Possessing a Glock Machine Gun
St. Thomas, USVI - Karime Williams, 36, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for a preliminary and detention hearing after his arrest on May 30, 2019, by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Williams was charged with possessing a Glock machine gun, a crime that carries severe penalties. The machine gun was discovered during a traffic stop on May 11, 2019, near the Cyril E. King Airport.
Virgin Islands Police Department officers stopped a vehicle with two occupants, including Williams, for not having a front license plate and driving without headlights. During a pat-down for officer safety, officers found a Glock Model 23 pistol equipped with a 'Glock Switch' that converted the handgun into an automatic weapon.
The officers determined that Williams had two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and unauthorized weapons possession. This history of violent crime raises concerns about public safety.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter is handling the prosecution.
United States Attorney Shappert reminded the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Williams was ordered detained pending trial, indicating that he is considered a flight risk or a danger to the community. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by the public.
The charges against Williams highlight the need for stricter gun laws and increased enforcement of existing laws to prevent the proliferation of machine guns and other automatic weapons.
As this case proceeds, the Grimy Times will provide updates and analysis of the implications for public safety and gun control in the USVI.
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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