Memphis Man Sentenced for 25 ‘Switch’ Devices

A Memphis man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing 25 machine gun conversion devices, more commonly known as ‘switches.’

On February 28, 2023, United States Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a package from an overseas shipper addressed to Roosevelt Wilson, 43, of Memphis, Tennessee. The package was found to contain 25 machine gun conversion devices, which significantly enhance the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm.

Machine gun conversion devices, also known as ‘switches,’ convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, allowing the gun to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. The devices are strictly regulated and illegal to possess without proper licenses and permits.

According to court documents, Wilson retrieved the package and attempted to flee when officers made a controlled delivery of the package to his address. He led the officers on a high-speed pursuit through a residential neighborhood, tossing the package and a firearm out of his vehicle during the chase.

The firearm, a .40 caliber privately made, Glock-style gun with no serial numbers, was later identified as having a machine gun conversion device affixed to it. Wilson was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of 25 machine gun conversion devices and receiving and possessing 25 machine gun conversion devices that had been unlawfully imported into the United States.

On January 12, Wilson pleaded guilty to the charges, and on April 25, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced him to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo for prosecuting the case and praised the efforts of law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation, including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Southaven Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of machine gun conversion devices and the serious consequences of possessing them. As law enforcement continues to crack down on illicit firearms and related crimes, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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