U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced nine federal indictments against individuals charged with firearm and violent crime offenses in West Tennessee. The indictments, issued on July 25, 2024, demonstrate the office’s commitment to prosecuting violent crimes and illegal possession of machine gun conversion devices, known as “switches,” Glock switches or auto sears. These devices are illegal under federal law. Some states such as Illinois and Massachusetts also specifically ban their possession and use.
“Violent crime threatens both physical safety and daily life,” said Ritz, who works out of the Western District of Tennessee. “Memphis citizens deserve safety, and reducing violent crime is our top priority. We will work with law enforcement to ensure those violating federal firearm laws are brought to justice.”
Defendants charged with possessing guns with attached machine-gun conversion devices include:
- Kaderion Stokes, 19: Also charged with stealing guns from a federally licensed dealer and possessing stolen firearms.
- Keelon Shields, 28: Charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a gun with a machine-gun conversion device.
- Jamario Bobo, 21: Charged with possessing a gun with a machine-gun conversion device.
- Jarvis Clayborn, 25: Charged with possessing a gun with a machine-gun conversion device.
Other defendants indicted for firearm or violent crime offenses include:
- Davonte Vortis, 26: Charged with armed carjacking and robbery, as well as brandishing a firearm during these crimes.
- Michael Kelly, 27: Charged with armed carjacking, illegal firearm possession, and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
- Markel Strong, 28: Charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after previous convictions.
- Turante Nunn, 32: Charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after previous convictions.
- Demetrius Williams, 28: Charged with possessing 21 stolen firearms.
These indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program uniting law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and enhance neighborhood safety. Launched in 2021, the program focuses on building community trust, supporting violence prevention, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results. These cases were investigated by the ATF, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force and the Memphis Police Department.
This initiative reflects the determination of some attorney generals to rigorously prosecute and penalize those involved in gun violence, ensuring public safety through strict enforcement of federal firearm laws. Now if the judges will just do their jobs…assuming guilty convictions in each case…and mete out harsh sentences to keep criminals locked away.
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