Four individuals have admitted to selling methamphetamine or machine gun conversion devices to an undercover federal agent in St. Louis. Reginald Smith, 28, from Jennings, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including possession of machine guns and aiding the distribution of methamphetamine.
Delance Bland Jr., 20, Kevin Burrow, 26, and Tamika Patterson, 45, also admitted their involvement. Bland pleaded guilty to possessing machine guns. Burrow faced charges related to distributing fentanyl and cocaine base along with methamphetamine conspiracy. Patterson was charged with conspiracy and aiding the distribution of methamphetamine.
The investigation began when authorities discovered Smith selling machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) on Facebook. These devices convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. An undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) purchased firearms and MCDs from Smith.
On December 5, 2023, the agent bought a Glock pistol and two switches from Smith in St. Louis. Later transactions involved drugs as well as additional firearms purchases from Smith and others involved.
Smith's sentencing is set for May 15; he faces up to ten years for machine gun charges among other penalties. Burrow's sentencing is scheduled for March 19, while Patterson will be sentenced on May 7. Bland has been sentenced to 21 months in prison.
The case was investigated by several agencies including ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN aims at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups.
