Torez Burnett, Machine Gun Trafficking, Michigan 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Torez Burnett, 21, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, will spend the next five years and ten months in federal prison after being sentenced for trafficking illegal machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches,” to members of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) gang and others. Burnett imported the devices from China, turning ordinary semiautomatic handguns into weapons capable of firing a thousand rounds per minute.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced the sentencing Thursday, framing the case as a critical blow against a growing threat. “Switches pose an extremely dangerous risk to our communities, our children, our law enforcement officers, and anyone who stands in the way of their indiscriminate spray,” Totten stated. “A year ago, switches were seldom seen. Now they’re everywhere. My office will use every resource we have to disrupt the gun trafficking rings bringing these lethal devices into our communities.”

The investigation, launched in late 2022, revealed Burnett distributed the switches throughout Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids. He wasn’t working alone. Authorities initially charged 10 defendants, with Burnett pleading guilty in May 2023 to conspiracy to possess and transfer machine guns and possession and transfer of a machine gun. The case highlights the ease with which these dangerous components can be obtained and weaponized, turning street-level crime into a potentially catastrophic threat.

Burnett isn’t the only one facing consequences. Several of his co-defendants have already received prison sentences. Jayvon Anthony received 84 months, while Demarcus Greely was sentenced to 38 months. Nicholas Hallo got 46 months, Demitrius Seuell 33 months, Omarion Branch 38 months, and Eric Williams 24 months. Sentencing hearings are pending for Timothy Thomas and Quincy Bowman, scheduled for November 29, 2023. Armando Villanueva’s sentencing date has not yet been set.

Local officials are applauding the federal crackdown. Benton Harbor Director of Public Safety Daniel McGinnis emphasized the collaborative effort. “Holding those accountable who flood our streets with illegal weapons is a huge step forward in curtailing the violence in our community,” he said. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, added that the disruption of the MBK gang’s operation directly threatened Michigan residents. ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir was blunt: “Mr. Burnett chose to illegally import these devices…through his excessive greed, he chose to arm known gang members with fully automatic machine guns.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers of illegal weapon modifications and the relentless efforts of federal agencies to stem the flow of these deadly devices. Deir’s closing statement underscores the gravity of Burnett’s actions: “In the end, Mr. Burnett will have a considerable amount of time in prison to reflect on his poor decision making.” The investigation was a joint effort involving the ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies, signaling a continued commitment to tackling gun violence in Michigan.

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