Rafael Carter Wesley, Unlawful Possession of Machineguns, Minnesota 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A Snapchat group called “BLICCS&STICCS3” wasn’t about sharing filters and selfies. It was a digital storefront for illegal machineguns, according to federal prosecutors. Three Twin Cities men – Rafael Carter Wesley, 19, Kyrees Darious Johnson, 23, and Avont Akira Drayton, 22 – are now facing federal charges after an ATF investigation blew the operation wide open.

The feds say the trio used the social media platform to peddle machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) – essentially parts that turn ordinary pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons. These “switches” or “buttons,” as they’re known on the street, are strictly regulated under federal law. The investigation began in March 2023 when authorities flagged the Snapchat group as a potential hub for illegal gun trafficking and controlled substances.

An undercover officer infiltrated the group, posing as a potential buyer. Wesley was the first to bite, offering to trade for a prop firearm or sell Glock “switches” for $700 for two or $900 for three. On March 27th, Wesley met the officer in St. Cloud and delivered three switches for $1,000. He wasn’t finished. Just days later, he teamed up with Johnson to sell another three switches for $900. The pair even demonstrated their skills, installing a switch onto a Glock 17 after selling it to the undercover officer for $700 on April 13th.

Drayton entered the picture that same day, offering a 3D-printed drop-in MCD for an AR-style rifle for $550. He wasn’t shy about showcasing his wares, showing the officer a video of himself firing a weapon with the device installed, boasting about how fast it made the gun shoot. Subsequent deals saw Drayton selling additional MCDs and a Glock pistol with a switch for a combined $1,700. According to court documents, the ATF conducted roughly six controlled buys with members of the “BLICCS&STICCS3” group between March and June.

Federal prosecutors have charged each man with one count of unlawful possession of machineguns. Johnson, it’s been revealed, is already prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. The case highlights a disturbing trend: criminals leveraging social media to bypass gun laws and flood the streets with dangerous weapons. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities haven’t ruled out additional arrests.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, led by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, is prosecuting the case. Details about potential sentencing for Wesley, Johnson, and Drayton will be released following the conclusion of the legal proceedings. This bust serves as a stark reminder that even the digital shadows can’t hide illegal activity from the long arm of the law.

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