Michael James Allen, Gun Trafficking, Michigan 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Michael James Allen, a resident of Grand Rapids, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in transferring a Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol to Roderic Dantzler, who used it to kill seven people.

Allen, a convicted felon, previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of the pistol. During his plea hearing, he admitted to selling the Glock pistol to Dantzler. In sentencing Allen, Chief U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney commented that “the wreckage of Mr. Allen’s actions is unspeakable,” noting that Allen knew Dantzler was dangerous and unstable.

On July 7, 2011, Dantzler used the Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol to kill his wife, his 12-year-old daughter, his mother and father-in-law, a former girlfriend, that girlfriend’s sister, and her 10-year-old daughter. Dantzler also shot at the driver of another vehicle during a road-rage incident; he attempted to kill police officers; he fled from the police at high rates of speed; and he kidnapped three hostages before taking his own life – leaving the total death toll at eight.

That same day, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for assistance in determining who was responsible for providing that Glock pistol to Dantzler. A two-year federal investigation ensued, leading to the convictions of three individuals, including Allen, each of whom illegally possessed the Glock pistol and transferred it to a known convicted felon.

Joseph Krul, a convicted felon and admitted drug dealer, was sentenced on October 25, 2013, to 63 months’ imprisonment for his role in this case. A third individual, who cooperated in the investigation and who played a key role in the successful prosecution of Allen was allowed to plead to a state charge of being a felon in possession of the Glock pistol. The cooperator wore a wire during two meetings with Allen in which he recorded incriminating statements Allen made, including threats to kill cooperating witnesses.

“Michael Allen put a firearm into the hands of a violent criminal,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Bogdalek. “Although the defendant didn’t shoot any of victims killed by Roderick Dantzler, he willingly provided the handgun that was used to commit heinous acts of violence.”

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