Leng Lee, Machine Gun Possession, Missouri 2019

Leng Lee, 37, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, is headed to federal prison for nine years without parole after being caught with an arsenal of illegal weapons — including a converted machine gun ordered from China. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on August 13, marks the end of a high-stakes federal case rooted in black-market firearms and a defendant with a long criminal record.

On August 26, 2019, Lee pleaded guilty to two federal counts: being a felon in possession of firearms and illegal possession of a machine gun. The charges stem from a controlled delivery on April 23, 2019, when law enforcement intercepted an international package from China addressed to Lee. Inside were seven selector switches — critical components used to convert Glock semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons capable of sustained fire.

A search warrant executed at Lee’s Sarcoxie residence uncovered a cache that sent shockwaves through local law enforcement: 18 firearms, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, multiple suppressors, methamphetamine, and marijuana. None of the weapons were obtained through licensed dealers. Lee admitted to purchasing most at gun shows or in private hand-to-hand deals — all illegal under federal law given his status as a convicted felon.

Lee confessed to investigators that he ordered the selector switches and had received 10 to 15 prior shipments. He admitted to converting and test-firing a Glock pistol in full-auto mode — a modification strictly regulated under the National Firearms Act. Possession of such devices by unauthorized individuals carries stiff penalties, especially when combined with a criminal history like Lee’s.

The defendant has prior felony convictions for burglary, grand theft auto, vandalism, and previous illegal possession of a firearm. These convictions permanently bar him from owning any gun or ammunition. Despite this, Lee built a private arsenal and remained active in the underground firearms trade until his arrest. He also faces pending state charges in Newton County, Missouri, including illegal use of a firearm and assault against a family member.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney and investigated by a multi-agency task force including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Newton County Sheriff’s Department. Federal authorities say the coordinated takedown highlights the growing threat of illegally modified firearms flooding into rural communities through international mail.

RELATED: Sarcoxie Gun Sleaze: Leng Lee Indicted for Illegal Firearm Posession and Conversion Switches

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