GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that on Wednesday Lawrence Edward Slaughter II, 19, of Niles, pled guilty to possessing a loaded firearm, which had been modified to a fully automatic weapon using a conversion device, as a convicted felon.
“Gun violence is an epidemic across America and here in Michigan that inflicts senseless suffering on community members,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “As we did here, we will continue to hold accountable felons who possess guns illegally as well as anyone who traffics or possesses illegal machinegun conversion devices that threaten the safety of our communities. Our commitment to public safety holds true for every corner of our District – both big cities and small towns alike.”
On September 23, 2022, Slaughter’s state probation officers conducted a home compliance check at his apartment in Niles, Michigan. During the check, the officers found a loaded 9mm Glock pistol in one of the bedrooms. The pistol also had a machinegun conversion device attached.
Slaughter is scheduled for sentencing on July 16 before Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou. He faces a maximum possible penalty of 15 years in prison.
“The access to illegal guns has plagued our communities for far too long and these machinegun conversion devices in particular are especially dangerous in the wrong hands,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan. “By removing just one offender and the illegal weapons they acquire, we make our streets a little bit safer to live and work.”
“The Niles Police Department remains committed to ensuring our community’s safety by investigating illegal gun violence and possession,” Niles Public Safety Director James Millin. “We will continue to work with federal law enforcement authorities in that endeavor.”
The previous press release, press conference footage, and indictment can be viewed here.
The case was investigated by the Niles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaToyia Carpenter.
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U.S. Department
of Justice
