ST. PAUL, MN – A Minneapolis man is facing serious time after a federal jury slammed him with convictions for possessing an illegal machinegun and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Marques Dwell Armstrong Jr, 28, was found guilty Thursday following a four-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank.
The case unfolded after investigators discovered Armstrong in possession of a 9mm Glock pistol on October 12, 2021. It wasn’t just the gun itself that landed him in trouble, but the illegal modifications. Attached to the pistol was a high-capacity magazine, and crucially, a device known on the streets as a “switch” or “auto sear.” This little piece of metal turned a standard handgun into a fully automatic machinegun, capable of unleashing a rapid stream of fire.
Federal prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Albania Concepcion, successfully argued that Armstrong knew exactly what he was doing. The evidence presented at trial clearly showed he was aware of the illegal nature of the modifications and the device’s function. Adding to the severity, Armstrong already had a criminal record – previous federal and state felony convictions that explicitly prohibit him from owning any firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, working in conjunction with the Minneapolis Police Department. The collaboration led to the discovery of the weapon and ultimately, the federal charges against Armstrong. Sources within the ATF say the proliferation of these “switches” is a growing concern, turning readily available handguns into dangerous, illegal weapons.
Armstrong now faces a sentencing hearing, the date of which has not yet been set. While sentencing guidelines haven’t been publicly released, experts predict a substantial prison term given the seriousness of the charges. Possession of a machinegun carries a significant mandatory minimum sentence, and the added charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm will only increase the potential punishment.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger’s office announced the verdict, emphasizing the commitment to tackling gun violence and holding accountable those who illegally possess dangerous weapons. This case serves as a stark reminder that even with the ongoing debate over gun control, the existing laws on the books are being enforced, and those who break them will face the full weight of the federal justice system.
Related Federal Cases
- Marques Armstrong, Machinegun Possession, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Patrick Opdahl, Machinegun Possession, North Dakota 2024 · North Dakota
- Robbinsdale Man, 42, Indicted for Machinegun Possession · Alabama
- River William Smith Charged with Machine Gun Possession and Hand Grenade Attempt, Minneapolis MN, 2022 · California
- Rafael Wesley, Machinegun Ring, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons