Lavaughn Gilmore, Machine Gun Possession, Tennessee 2024

MEMPHIS, TN – Ten individuals have been charged with federal firearm and violent crimes in Western Tennessee, including Lavaughn Gilmore, who is accused of possessing a machine-gun conversion device.

According to a federal grand jury, Gilmore, 26, is facing charges for illegally possessing a machine-gun conversion device, also known as a ‘switch.’

Lavaughn Gilmore, 26, Machine Gun Possession, Tennessee, 2024

Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the indictments, stating that violent crime endangers every resident and family in Western Tennessee.

‘These indictments reflect our commitment to tackling violent crime and sending a strong message: if you break federal gun laws, you will face significant penalties,’ Fondren said.

The following defendants were charged with other firearm or violent crime offenses:

Colton Sisco, 30, was indicted on multiple charges involving making and possessing a firearm – specifically a pipe bomb – in violation of the National Firearms Act; Anthony Wells, 33, was indicted with being a felon in possession of a firearm; Derrico Childs, 21, Exavier Spivey, 25, and James Howard, 22, were charged in a superseding indictment for four counts of armed carjacking and four counts of use of a firearm during a violent crime; Derrion Turner, 19, was indicted for two armed carjackings and an attempted armed carjacking in Memphis committed over a 10-day span in August and September 2023; Justin Bobo, 33, was indicted for possession of a firearm after having at least three prior convictions for serious drug offenses or violent felonies; Keihdra Bledsoe, 28, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and Mike Alex Burks Jr., 46, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.