Four individuals have admitted to selling methamphetamine or machine gun conversion devices to an undercover federal agent, according to recent court proceedings in St. Louis.
Reginald Smith, 28, from Jennings, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to multiple charges including possession of machine guns and unlawfully dealing in firearms. He also admitted to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
Others involved include Delance Bland Jr., 20, who pleaded guilty to possession of machine guns; Kevin Burrow, 26, from St. Louis, who admitted to several drug-related charges; and Tamika Patterson, 45, from Jennings, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and aiding in meth distribution.
The investigation began after authorities learned Smith was selling machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) on Facebook. These devices convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. An undercover ATF agent made several purchases from Smith and his associates during the investigation.
Smith's sentencing is scheduled for May 15 with potential penalties ranging up to 20 years for various charges. Burrow will be sentenced on March 19 and Patterson on May 7. Bland has already been sentenced to 21 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.