Darneko Yates, a 30-year-old resident of Richmond, California, was found guilty on January 17, 2025, for unlawful possession of a firearm. The verdict was delivered by U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín after a one-day bench trial.
The incident occurred on August 27, 2023, when San Pablo Police Officers attempted to stop Yates for a vehicle infraction. Yates continued driving before stopping in front of a relative's house with his young niece and nephew in the car. At the time, he was on parole following convictions for carjacking, solicitation to commit murder, and possessing a loaded firearm.
During the police interaction, officers discovered that Yates had hidden a Glock firearm with a "machinegun conversion device" in his six-year-old nephew's pants. This device allows continuous firing with one trigger pull. Officers were alerted when they noticed an object tucked into the child's pants as he exited the vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey commented on the case stating: “Defendant’s actions inexcusably endangered a young child. Thanks to the careful work of the officers on the scene, this did not turn into a tragedy.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin also expressed concern: “Using a child to conceal a loaded, fully automatic firearm shows an alarming disregard for their safety and well-being.” He affirmed commitment to holding offenders accountable and removing illegal firearms from streets.
Yates was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and faces up to 15 years in prison with sentencing set for April 28, 2025.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime through community trust-building and strategic enforcement priorities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leif Dautch and Richard Ewenstein are leading prosecution efforts supported by Madeline Wachs after investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI and San Pablo Police Department.