CHICAGO – A 22-year-old Chicago man is facing federal weapons charges after allegedly displaying illegal machine gun parts and firing a machine gun at social media posts. The case involves so-called “Glock switches” or “sear switches,” aftermarket devices that can convert some firearms into automatic weapons.
Latavion Johnson posted videos of himself possessing a gun equipped with a switch and posted photos of a switch next to a stack of cash, officials allege.
Between February and October, a federal agent viewed “multiple” videos on Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to Johnson, according to a federal complaint.
In a Facebook video posted in February, Johnson showed off a firearm that was equipped with a gold sear switch, according to the complaint.
“Switchy, this thing is easy to push,” Johnson said as he flipped the switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic, officials claim.
He is charged with possession of a machine gun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, officials said.
Johnson also made sounds like “brrr brrr,” mimicking a machine gun, the complaint said. During the video, Johnson allegedly offered to “blow the switch” if 20 people would join his livestream.
Officials said Johnson posted an Instagram video in February of himself firing several rounds with a single trigger.
“I shot three shots with that flawless switch,” he reportedly said.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home last week, leading to the charges.
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