MEMPHIS, TN – Federal prosecutors are coming down hard on illegal firearms in Memphis, announcing indictments against nine individuals this week for a range of gun-related offenses. The crackdown centers around the proliferation of “switches” – devices that convert legal pistols into illegal machine guns – and other serious firearm violations, signaling a renewed push to combat violent crime in the city.
U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz laid out the stakes bluntly: “Our citizens deserve to feel safe in their city, and that’s why there is no higher priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than reducing violent crime in Memphis,” Ritz stated. “As these recent indictments show, federal authorities in the Memphis area are vigorously enforcing federal firearms laws… Those individuals who are driving the violence in our city will face significant federal penalties.”
The most serious case involves Wayne Sanders, 31, of Memphis, Tennessee, indicted June 11, 2024, following an initial criminal complaint filed April 24, 2024. The indictment alleges that on February 24, 2024, Sanders possessed a Romarm Cugir 7.62 caliber pistol, a Glock .45 caliber pistol, and a Glock 9mm caliber pistol converted to a machine gun with a “switch.” If convicted, Sanders faces up to fifteen years in federal prison. The arrest itself was chaotic; authorities say Sanders pointed an illegally possessed firearm at a U.S. Marshal before attempting to flee. He was eventually apprehended without further incident.
Sanders isn’t alone. Jeremy Walker, 32, was indicted March 12, 2024, on charges including possessing a firearm with a switch. Leon Moore, 26, and Camron Taylor, 21, were both indicted May 30, 2024, for simply possessing machine guns. Montez Carr, 20, also faces charges for possessing a machine gun, indicted on the same date. These indictments underscore the prevalence of these dangerous devices on the streets of Memphis.
The federal net also caught individuals involved in other violent crimes. Jocquel Williams, 28, was indicted May 30, 2024, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Al Kendrick Malone, 22, faces charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, also indicted May 30, 2024. Cedric Arnold, 35, was indicted May 30, 2024, for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Finally, Jartavius Lewis, 20, was indicted May 30, 2024, for possessing a machine gun.
The investigation is a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Gun Task Force. Authorities urge anyone with information about illegal switches or other federal gun crimes to contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). It’s crucial to remember that these are indictments, accusations requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and sentencing will be determined by the court based on individual circumstances and prior criminal history.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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