Chicago resident, Latavion Johnson has been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun conversion device after a federal complaint was filed against him in the U.S. District Court. The device, commonly known as a "Glock switch," was discovered by federal law enforcement during a search of Johnson's South Side home, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois.
Johnson, 22, faces a serious charge for possessing this device which, when outfitted to a firearm, enables it to discharge multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Not only was the device found in his bedroom, but Johnson also appeared to flaunt his possession of it. As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois, he posted videos and a photograph on social media of a firearm equipped with, and another image of the conversion device next to a stack of $20 bills.
A criminal complaint details these allegations and now Johnson, who was arrested last Friday, awaits a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pushing for Johnson to remain in custody pre-trial, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Saqib M. Hussain representing the government in this case. If convicted, Johnson could face up to ten years in federal prison.
While the complaint has brought Johnson's case to public attention, it is critical to remember that these charges are allegations, and as with all defendants, Johnson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois. The burden rests upon the government which must establish Johnson's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Johnson's next appearance in court is set for Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., where his legal fate will begin to unfold.
