Shreveport Man Sentenced for Possessing Illegal Machine Gun
In a dramatic turn of events, a 21-year-old man from Shreveport, Louisiana, has found himself facing serious consequences after being caught with a modified firearm. After being pulled over for speeding, Pharaon L. Jackson was sentenced to 40 months in prison for his illegal possession of a machine gun, and he will also undergo three years of supervised release following his prison term.
The Start of the Trouble
The incident unfolded on June 21, 2023, when Louisiana State Police troopers stopped the vehicle where Jackson was a passenger. As the officer approached, he noticed suspicious activity – items being thrown from the window next to Jackson’s seat. Upon investigation, the trooper discovered a bag of marijuana and a Glock 17 9mm pistol equipped with a conversion device, commonly referred to as a Glock switch. This device allowed the firearm to operate as a machine gun, firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull.
The Arrest
Not surprisingly, both Jackson and his companions in the vehicle were arrested for the possession of this illegal firearm. Following their arrest, all parties managed to bond out of jail, but the story didn’t end there. In a twist of fate, Jackson’s activities caught up with him when agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began piecing together evidence from social media.
Just five days prior to the traffic stop, Jackson had shared a photo showing himself with two handguns, one of which matched the firearm seized during his arrest. It became evident that he was flaunting his dangerous lifestyle online, and that was only the beginning of the troubling findings surrounding this case.
More Trouble in Shreveport
Fast forward to July 2023, and officers from the Shreveport Police Department received alarming reports about a group of masked men brandishing assault rifles while riding around in a Dodge Charger. Officers acted swiftly, locating the vehicle and investigating a residence where it was parked. Upon entering the home, they discovered Jackson alongside three other males, along with three loaded AR-15 style pistols hidden under a mattress.
As if that wasn’t shocking enough, forensic analysis later revealed that two of the firearms discovered in that Shreveport home had been used in a quadruple homicide that took place on July 4, 2023. This revelation intensified the already serious charges against Jackson.
A Plea and the Consequences
On July 18, 2024, Jackson pleaded guilty to the federal charge of illegal possession of a machine gun. U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown made it clear that there is a strict zero-tolerance policy for individuals with firearms equipped with Glock switches. “This individual found himself around modified firearms in two parishes. He is dangerous, a threat to public safety, and has received a just sentence,” Brown stated. “Let this be a lesson and a deterrent for others considering installing conversion devices on Glock firearms.”
A Call for Awareness
The extensive investigation into Jackson’s activities was carried out by a collaborative effort from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, Louisiana State Police, and Shreveport Police Department. The case, prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins, serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of illegal firearm possession.
This case leaves us wondering how many similar stories could be unfolding right under our noses. It emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and understanding the legal repercussions of firearm modifications. The message is clear: the community will not tolerate illegal firearm possession, and those who cross the line will face the consequences, just like Pharaon L. Jackson.
