PURCELL, OKLAHOMA – Michael Adrian Allen Smith, 37, is headed to federal prison for 65 months after admitting to a dangerous combination: being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, and illegally owning devices that turn handguns into machine guns. The sentencing, handed down Thursday by U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, marks the culmination of a probe by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The investigation began in February when agents secured a federal search warrant for Smith’s Purcell residence, initially prompted by information suggesting he possessed ammunition. What they found was far more concerning: two “glock switches” – illegal conversion devices that allow a semi-automatic firearm to fire like a fully automatic machine gun. Smith’s prior criminal record immediately raised red flags. He’d already been convicted in California’s Superior Court, County of Riverside, for possession of a controlled substance for sale *while armed with a firearm*.
Smith was formally charged on March 1, 2023, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of machine guns. He didn’t contest the charges, pleading guilty on March 22nd to both counts. Crucially, he admitted to owning the two machine gun conversion kits, acknowledging their illegal status under federal law. The ATF affidavit detailing the probable cause for the search highlighted the clear and present danger posed by a convicted felon with access to such devices.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Jones didn’t mince words. He specifically cited Smith’s extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for domestic violence offenses *and* the illegal sale of firearms, as aggravating factors. The judge clearly saw Smith as a continuing threat to public safety, justifying the substantial 65-month sentence. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters, successfully argued for a penalty that reflects the seriousness of Smith’s crimes.
The discovery of “glock switches” is increasingly common in federal firearms investigations, turning ordinary handguns into weapons capable of inflicting mass casualties. These devices, relatively inexpensive and easy to install, are a major concern for law enforcement. The ATF’s continued focus on disrupting the flow of these illegal modifications is crucial in preventing further violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, under U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester, emphasized its commitment to prosecuting individuals who endanger the community through illegal firearms possession.
Smith will now begin serving his 65-month sentence in a federal prison. This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing illegal firearms and conversion devices carries severe consequences, particularly for those with prior criminal records. The ATF’s Dallas Field Division spearheaded the investigation, highlighting the agency’s dedication to keeping Oklahoma communities safe from gun violence and illegal weapon modifications.
Related Federal Cases
- Timothy Bojorquez Jr, Firearms Possession with Prior Conviction, ID · Oklahoma
- Viorel Pricop, Arson, New Mexico 2023 · Louisiana
- Jimmy Wayne Smith, Wire Fraud Scheme, Oklahoma 2023 · Oklahoma
- Jonathan Michael Baker, Child Pornography Distribution, West Virgin… · West Virginia
- Michael Reed, Methamphetamine Distribution, AR 2024 · California
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons