Ten individuals in West Tennessee are facing federal charges related to firearm and violent crimes, as revealed by indictments returned by a federal grand jury. Among these, Lavaughn Gilmore, age 26, is under scrutiny for possession of a machine-gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a "switch." The acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren emphasized the gravity of these crimes, stating, "Violent crime endangers every resident and every family in Western Tennessee,” according to a Justice Department release.
In a concerted effort to address violent crime and enforce federal gun laws, the indictments aim to send a clear message of accountability. Charged with offenses that span the illicit possession and construction of firearms, others indicted include Colton Sisco with pipe bomb manufacturing and possession, and Anthony Wells, found as a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting under the presumption of innocence, the accused await their fate subject to the due process of law. Each will face outcomes catered by the court, tailored to the nuances of their participation in these allegations and their prior criminal background, if any, Sergeant Ronald Hawkins told investigators assigned to the case.
The variety of charges also encompasses armed carjacking and firearm involvement during violent crimes by individuals such as Derrion Turner, who was indicted for multiple carjacking incidents over a brief span in August and September 2023. Justin Bobo, with a history of serious drug offenses, faces firearms possession charges. Keihdra Bledsoe and Mike Alex Burks Jr. were similarly charged as felons unlawfully in possession of firearms, as outlined in the indictment details.
The investigations that led to these charges are the result of collaborative efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force; the local Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, among other agencies. These cases also fall under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a strategy that on May 26, 2021, sought to amplify community safety through engagement and targeted enforcement, an official associated with the PSN program explained. Fondren has extended gratitude to both the Assistant United States Attorneys and the law enforcement partners for their roles in prosecuting the indicted cases.
It is highlighted that while charges have been made, they are only accusations at this stage. Defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The justice system's next steps are trials that will consider the extent of the defendants' involvement and their previous legal encounters. Individuals with information on switches or other federal gun crimes are encouraged by authorities to contact 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
