Tyki Clayton, Machine Gun Possession, Louisiana 2022

LUTCHER, LA – Tyki Clayton, 21, of Lutcher, Louisiana, has confessed to federal authorities that the Glock pistol found stashed between his legs wasn’t just a handgun – it was a fully automatic machine gun. The guilty plea, entered on November 2, brings Clayton one step closer to a potential decade behind bars.

The bust originated from a routine traffic stop back on March 28, 2022. A St. James Parish deputy pulled over the vehicle Clayton was riding in when it rolled through an intersection without stopping. Things quickly escalated when the deputy noticed Clayton frantically reaching into a backpack. The driver, lacking a valid license, compounded the situation.

A search of the vehicle revealed the Glock, hidden in the backpack and equipped with an illegal auto-sear – the component that transforms a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun. Clayton immediately admitted he knew the weapon was capable of fully automatic fire. The deputy also discovered an outstanding arrest warrant for Clayton, adding another layer to the legal trouble.

Federal prosecutors are now pursuing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for Clayton, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, he’ll also face up to three years of supervised release after serving his time, and a mandatory $100 assessment fee. This isn’t just about a gun; it’s about possessing a weapon explicitly prohibited under Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and community engagement. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in 2021, prioritizing trust-building, community support, and strategic enforcement.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel, of the Violent Crime Unit, is leading the prosecution. Clayton’s sentencing date has not yet been announced, but the feds are signaling they intend to send a strong message about illegal machine gun possession in Louisiana.

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