Three Montgomery Men Sentenced on Federal Gun Possession Charges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Three Montgomery men were convicted this week of possessing firearms that had been converted to automatic weapons.

Deandre Nyquan Lucas, Cammeron Leroy Youngblood, and Derrick Dontrell Taylor were convicted in separate cases of possessing a semi-automatic firearm converted to an automatic firearm using a conversion device commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear.”

“Because of their high rate of fire, these conversion devices pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Ross. “Not long ago, these devices were rare. Unfortunately, in a very short period of time, they have become commonplace in communities across the District. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners place a high value on investigating and prosecuting cases involving possession of one of these devices.”

When these devices are installed on a firearm, they allow it to function as a fully automatic weapon that can fire up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. Possession of what is considered a machine gun or conversion device itself can result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Lucas was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Youngblood to 27 months, and Taylor to 21 months. All three will serve their sentences in federal prison, and federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.

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