United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
A Montgomery man has been charged with possessing a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. On November 10, 2024, law enforcement arrested Jaquez Myrick, aged 25, alleging illegal possession of a machinegun.
The arrest followed a reported mass shooting incident at Tuskegee University's parking lot in Tuskegee, Alabama. Officers arriving on the scene observed a large gathering and heard gunfire. Myrick was detained after an officer saw him holding a handgun. Upon inspection, the handgun was found to be fitted with a machinegun conversion device.
These devices, often referred to as "switches," enable firearms to operate as fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with one trigger pull. Federal law classifies possession of such devices as possession of a machinegun, which can result in penalties of up to ten years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. Myrick appeared in federal court for his initial hearing this afternoon in Montgomery.
It is important to note that criminal complaints are mere allegations and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Tuskegee University Police Department, City of Tuskegee Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara S. Ratz from the Middle District of Alabama is handling prosecution.
Authorities are seeking public assistance for further information on this case. Tips can be submitted via phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at fbi.gov/tuskegeeshooting24.
