Cahokia Heights teen indicted for machine gun devices

A Cahokia Heights teenager has been arraigned on a two-count federal indictment for allegedly engaging in a scheme to transport machine gun conversion devices from China to St. Clair County.

EAST ST. LOUIS — A Cahokia Heights teenager has been arraigned on a two-count federal indictment for allegedly engaging in a scheme to transport machine gun conversion devices from China to St. Clair County.

Carlos Akins, 19, is facing one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun and one count of transporting prohibited weapons without a license. The devices, commonly called "Glock switches," can turn semi-automatic pistols into automatic weapons.

"Glock switches have exploded in popularity in recent years, and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to remove the devices from our communities," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. "Our office stands ready to prosecute the individuals responsible for trafficking Glock switches into southern Illinois."

According to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Chicago intercepted a package of 10 Glock switches from China heading to an East St. Louis address for Akins in December 2022. Customs officials notified the Illinois State Police who partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for a controlled pick-up by Akins.A

After his arrest, Akins gave law enforcement consent to search his bedroom where they reportedly found a Glock with a purple switch, an extended magazine and an additional cell phone. During an interview, Akins allegedly told police he ordered Glock switches from an app and had sold nine switches to customers for a total of $2,000.

"The growing popularity of machine gun conversion devices poses a very real threat to public safety and the law enforcement community," said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division. "As this case clearly demonstrates, ATF is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to investigate the trafficking and use of these devices and remove them from our communities."

In January, Homeland Security Investigations seized another package of 10 Glock switches addressed to Akins. In total, Akins is accused of ordering 30 Glock switches from China.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said conversion devices or switches that allow a handgun to become fully automatic are becoming more common. He added the ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group is committed to stopping the proliferation of the devices.

In January, Homeland Security Investigations seized another package of 10 Glock switches addressed to Akins. In total, Akins is accused of ordering 30 Glock switches from China.

T convicted, Akins faces up to 15 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

ATF and ISP are contributing to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Arshi is prosecuting the case.