A Maplewood, Missouri resident has been charged with selling machine gun conversion devices. Tanario Darden, 22, was taken into custody on Monday and entered a plea of not guilty in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony charges: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. The indictment against him was issued on January 22.
According to the indictment, Darden allegedly transported and sold one or more machine guns between April 1, 2024, and August 30, 2024. It is important to note that charges outlined in an indictment are merely accusations and do not establish guilt; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Authorities have filed a motion requesting that Darden remain in jail pending trial, alleging he used a social media account to market machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). These devices, also referred to as switches or auto sears, can convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons classified as machine guns under federal law.
"These highly dangerous devices can convert a run-of-the-mill firearm into a weapon of war, transforming a street corner into a combat zone, devastating entire communities," stated Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen of the ATF Kansas City Field Division.
If convicted of transporting prohibited weapons without a license, Darden faces up to five years in prison. The charge for transferring machine guns carries a potential penalty of ten years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to these charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is overseeing the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation among various levels of law enforcement and community groups. Launched on May 26, 2021, the Department's strategy focuses on building trust within communities while supporting organizations that work towards violence prevention.