In a significant move to curb the tide of gun violence and illegal weapon modifications, a group of 10 men from Shelby County have been indicted on a range of federal gun crime charges. This indictment, announced by United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz on Tuesday, targets individuals involved in a series of violent crimes and the illegal possession of firearms, including devices known as "switches," which convert handguns into automatic weapons. Action News 5 reported that these charges are part of a concerted effort to promote safety in the Memphis and Shelby County regions.
The indictments come as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working to reduce violent crime and gun-related offenses. The individuals indicted face charges including possession of a machine gun, assault on a federal task force officer, possession of a firearm with a machine-gun conversion device, robbery, brandishing a firearm during a carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Four suspects, Wayne Sanders, Myles Bowens, Taveon Earnest, and Actavious Ellis, were specifically charged with federal crimes involving switches. According to WREG, these individuals were accused of possessing and using these devices to modify handguns, making them capable of firing multiple rounds without a separate trigger pull, thereby increasing their lethality.
The remaining defendants, including Nathenael Tekle, Caran Stokes, Tony Thomas, Pierre Jones, Marcus Oher, and Jermaine Cooper, are facing other federal firearm or violent crime offenses. These charges highlight the widespread nature of gun violence and the need for comprehensive law enforcement efforts to address it.
ATF Special Agent Tom Neely, who was directly involved in the investigation, emphasized the dangers associated with switches, explaining that these devices can significantly increase a gun's firing rate, often reaching speeds of up to 1,000 rounds per minute. However, he also highlighted that the rapid fire capability of switches often renders subsequent shots beyond the first wildly inaccurate. The federal government is clearly demonstrating its commitment to addressing the issue of switches, recognizing their potential for significant harm.
The indictments highlight a crucial aspect of the federal government's strategy to reduce gun violence in Memphis and Shelby County. United States Attorney Ritz underscored this point, stating, "As alleged, these individuals have committed serious federal crimes involving firearms or violent activity. Our office will continue to work with the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force and other law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our community. The citizens of Memphis and Shelby County deserve to feel safe," as reported by FOX13 Memphis.
This indictment signifies a significant step towards addressing the ongoing challenge of gun crime and illegal gun modifications in Memphis. It underscores the determination of law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively to create a safer environment for the community. While law enforcement plays a crucial role, community involvement is equally vital. The public is encouraged to report any knowledge of switches or other federal gun crimes to the ATF hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS. By working together, communities can contribute to dismantling illegal firearms networks and creating safer communities for everyone.
