It is Dallas, Texas. As stated in an announcement made by the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, a member of a gang in Dallas was taken into custody while in possession of a Glock handgun that was fitted with a gold machinegun conversion device. The individual has been imprisoned pending trial.
One of the individuals who has been accused with possessing a machinegun is Johnny Bates, who is 19 years old and a member of the “415 East Dallas Posse” gang. In the wake of his arrest on November 7, a federal judge issued an order that he be held in custody until the conclusion of his trial.
Alleged Incident and Arrest Details
According to the materials filed in the court, Bates was allegedly seen on film discharging a pistol that seemed to function as a fully automatic weapon in the month of December 2023.
Along the route of his escape, the police discovered a Glock handgun that was fitted with a machinegun conversion switch, which is more frequently referred to as a “switch.” Despite the fact that they were unable to catch him at the time, they were able to retrieve the weapon.
In the month of October 2024, the Dallas Police Department followed Bates to an apartment located in the Oak Cliff District.
Refusing to be arrested on outstanding warrants linked to the incident that occurred in December 2023, he engaged in a physical struggle with the cops who attempted to take him into custody. In the end, officers were able to bring Bates under control with the assistance of extra police support.
Officers discovered a 9mm Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a gold switch in his backpack while they were going through the process of arresting him.
After further investigation, the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) established a connection between the firearm and an aggravated assault that took place in Dallas on September 12th.
In light of the fact that another suspect has already been identified, the authorities have stipulated that Bates is not suspected of being involved in the incident in question.
Social Media Evidence
On November 8, detectives testified that Bates had a history of owning machinegun conversion devices. This finding was made during a hearing on his arrest.
According to the prosecution, the photographs that were shown from Bates’s Instagram account depicted firearms that had visible switches attached to them. These photos helped to strengthen the case for his incarceration.
Legal Process and Potential Sentencing
Under federal law, Bates is being accused of possessing a machinegun (sometimes known as a firearm). It is possible that he will be sentenced to a maximum of ten years in federal prison if he is found guilty.
On the other hand, a criminal complaint is nothing more than an allegation, and Bates is deemed innocent unless proof of guilt is presented in court.