U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual | U.S. Department of Justice
A Chicago man has been charged with illegally possessing a machine gun conversion device, according to federal court documents. The device was found during a search of Latavion Johnson's South Side residence last week.
Federal law enforcement discovered the conversion device in a tool bag in Johnson's bedroom. This device, known as a "Glock switch" or "auto sear," enables a firearm to fire multiple rounds with one trigger pull.
The criminal complaint alleges that Johnson posted videos on social media showing him with a firearm equipped with the conversion device. He also allegedly shared an image of the device next to $20 bills.
Johnson, 22, faces one count of possession of a machine gun, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He was arrested and remains in custody. A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to seek his continued pre-trial detention.
Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department announced the complaint and arrest.
The investigation is being conducted alongside ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in Chicago. The CGIC focuses on investigating and preventing gun violence across northern Illinois through collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through federal prosecution of illegal firearm possessors. In the Northern District of Illinois, this program targets various violent crime issues with an emphasis on firearm offenses.
It is important to note that charges are not evidence of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
Alerts Sign-up