Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
A Mobile resident, Ty’Juan De’Andre Barnes, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the illegal possession of a machinegun. The arrest occurred during a narcotics search warrant executed by Mobile police at a residence in Prichard in May 2024. Officers discovered 14 fentanyl pills on Barnes and various firearm-related items throughout the house. Barnes admitted to concealing a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol with an illegal machinegun-conversion device, known as a "Glock switch," in a bathroom trash can.
Barnes confessed that he was aware the Glock switch converted the pistol into a fully automatic machinegun. He claimed it was necessary for protection due to being previously robbed in Prichard. Further investigation of Barnes's cell phone revealed text messages discussing the possession and use of weapons equipped with Glock switches, as well as communications about selling these devices illegally.
United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose also imposed a three-year supervised release term following Barnes's imprisonment, which includes drug testing and treatment requirements. While no fine was levied, Barnes is required to pay $100 in special assessments.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Mobile Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
