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More Than 100 Firearm “Switch” Devices Seized From Suburban Chicago Home; Devices Are Capable of Turning Handguns Into Machine Guns
justice.gov ^ | December 9, 2020 | U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois

Posted on 12/09/2020 11:07:25 AM PST by ransomnote

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was arrested on a federal firearm charge after law enforcement this week seized machine guns and more than 100 “switch” devices from his home.  Each device is capable of converting a semi-automatic pistol into a machine gun.

LEONARD D. JOHNSON, also known as “Scrap,” 32, of Robbins, is charged with one count of illegal possession of a machine gun.  Johnson was arrested Monday after agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at his home.  The agents seized five firearms, including three machine guns, and approximately 117 “switch” devices, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. 

Johnson made an initial court appearance Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert in Chicago and was ordered to remain in federal custody.  A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday at 1:00 p.m.

The arrest was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Lansing Police Department and Midlothian Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney.

Holding illegal firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods.  In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.

“Machine guns pose a dangerous threat to public safety and have no place on Chicago-area streets,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Federal law enforcement will act swiftly to neutralize the threat posed by illegal machine guns and keep our communities safe.”

“This case is an excellent example of continued partnership,” said ATF SAC deTineo.  “ATF agents, in coordination with local law enforcement and federal prosecutors, will investigate and prosecute those in possession of these illegal firearms.”

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Topic(s): 
Project Guardian
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Firearms Offenses
Violent Crime
 


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: banglist; batfe; chicago; spam
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1 posted on 12/09/2020 11:07:25 AM PST by ransomnote
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To: ransomnote

Yes. That’s just what I’ll do. Convert a 1911 to full automatic.


2 posted on 12/09/2020 11:08:46 AM PST by Seruzawa (TANSTAAFL!)
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To: ransomnote

A rubber band? Oh the hugh manatee!


3 posted on 12/09/2020 11:09:28 AM PST by 9422WMR (Lie, cheat, steal. It’s how the democRATS operate. )
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To: ransomnote

There is no delegated power given the federal to restrict what Arms the people can own.


4 posted on 12/09/2020 11:09:35 AM PST by Rurudyne (Standup Philosopher)
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To: ransomnote

I have a couple of 33 round magazines for my glock 19. I could use one of those to go full GTA. :)


5 posted on 12/09/2020 11:11:49 AM PST by cuban leaf (The political war playing out in every country now: Globalists vs Nationalists)
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To: Rurudyne

“There is no delegated power given the federal to restrict what Arms the people can own.”

Matters not.... if they decide you shouldn’t be having it, you won’t.


6 posted on 12/09/2020 11:12:06 AM PST by LastDayz (A blunt and brazen Texan. I will not be assimilated.)
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To: ransomnote

we need to restore Americans’ constitutionally-recognized rights.. all of then including the 2A
(reassign a t eff staff to constitutional duties like building the wall, manning civilian desks in the defense forces, etc.


7 posted on 12/09/2020 11:13:11 AM PST by faithhopecharity (Politicians are not born, they are excreted. Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 to 43 BCE))
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To: Seruzawa

By the time you got your finger off the trigger, the magazine is empty and 4 rounds are in the ceiling.


8 posted on 12/09/2020 11:13:25 AM PST by Dutch Boy
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To: ransomnote
What a foolish way to waste ammunition! Especially at today's prices.

I would not have one of those devices even if they were legal.

The distributor, and his prospective customers ought to be prosecuted for felony stupidity.

That's a crime, isn't it?

9 posted on 12/09/2020 11:13:59 AM PST by flamberge (The wheels keep turning)
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To: SERKIT; stylin19a

Where is Robbins?
North or South.


10 posted on 12/09/2020 11:14:08 AM PST by Cletus.D.Yokel (If there be WAR in the offing, let it begin HERE. With ME.)
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To: LastDayz

I support not supporting them.


11 posted on 12/09/2020 11:14:10 AM PST by Rurudyne (Standup Philosopher)
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To: Rurudyne
There is no delegated power given the federal to restrict what Arms the people can own.

In fact, infringement is expressly prohibited.

12 posted on 12/09/2020 11:14:16 AM PST by libertylover (Remember: Deep State hated Jesus too.)
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To: ransomnote
Good job.

Nice reporting.

Keep me informed of silencer prosecutions. I am maintaining a list.

13 posted on 12/09/2020 11:14:23 AM PST by marktwain (President Trump and his supporters are the Resistance. His opponents are the Reactionaries. )
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To: Dutch Boy

If you could even hold onto the dammed thing.


14 posted on 12/09/2020 11:16:09 AM PST by Seruzawa (TANSTAAFL!)
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To: ransomnote
““Machine guns pose a dangerous threat to public safety and have no place on Chicago-area streets,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.”

No known connection but this year to date 3,991 people have been shot down on the streets of Chicago.

This is considerably smaller than an army combat division. But the year is not out.

15 posted on 12/09/2020 11:17:15 AM PST by jeffersondem
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To: cuban leaf
I can't imagine how deadly my KAHR MK9 would be on full auto with its 7+1 magazine capacity.
16 posted on 12/09/2020 11:17:43 AM PST by Hot Tabasco
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To: Seruzawa

bngbangbangbangbangbang Now what?


17 posted on 12/09/2020 11:19:15 AM PST by cyclotic (The most dangerous people are the ones that feel the most helpless)
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To: ransomnote

Drat, I’ll have to find another distributor :^]


18 posted on 12/09/2020 11:19:20 AM PST by Karliner (Heb 4:12 Rom 8:28 Rev 3, "...This is the end of the beginning." Churchill)
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To: ransomnote

“Machine guns pose a dangerous threat to public safety
= = =

Yes, they will use up the hoarded, civilian ammo too quickly.


19 posted on 12/09/2020 11:20:07 AM PST by Scrambler Bob (This is not /s. It is just as viable as any MSM 'information', maybe more so!)
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To: Karliner

Machine Gun....
Bond of Gypsies....


20 posted on 12/09/2020 11:21:22 AM PST by gathersnomoss (Just the facts, ma'am......)
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