A metro Detroit man was charged after he allegedly flashed a Glock with a “switch” on social media.
A Glock switch is a conversion device designed to convert a Glock firearm from a semi-automatic weapon to a fully automatic weapon. It will allow the gun to expel more than one projectile by a single pull of the trigger at approximately 1,200 rounds per minute.
Federal agents began to investigate Sterlin Williams starting in July after seeing several photos of guns on his social media accounts. On October 2, 2023, at approximately 4:54 pm, ATF agents screen-recorded an Instagram story, which included an image of an individual holding a suspected firearm equipped with what appears to be a machinegun conversion device and an extended magazine, according to the complaint.
“The image is captioned, “I ride 30rd strap and dis bte automatic.” Based on my training and experience, I believe that the phrase “I ride 30rd strap” is in reference to the extended magazine with is attached to the gun. I also believe that the phrase “dis btc automatic” is a reference to the gun being equipped with a machinegun conversion device,” the federal agent wrote in the complaint.
In December, federal agents raided his place that he was staying at in Westland and detained him.
After searching the place they found a Glock and what appeared to be a ‘switch’. Agents conducted a post-Miranda interview with Williams. “WILLIAMS admitted that he sometimes possessed the machinegun conversion device. WILLIAMS later admitted that he purchased the machinegun conversion device online with a credit card,” the agent wrote in the complaint.
Williams now faces charges of possessing a machine gun.
