An Alabama man has admitted guilt to charges of possessing unregistered firearms, as announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. Key’onstis Maurice Morgan, 24, from Centreville, Alabama, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco for the illegal possession of a modified shotgun and an improvised explosive device.
The plea agreement revealed that Morgan was found with both weapons on February 16, 2024. The firearm was a single-shot 20-gauge shotgun altered by Morgan who admitted to sawing off its stock and reducing the barrel length to 13.5 inches.
Additionally, Morgan had a cardboard tube wrapped in electrical tape containing 12 grams of energetic powder and a fuse. The device was weaponized with 21 screws, four small razor blades, and assorted staples attached to its exterior, designed to produce lethal shrapnel upon detonation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in collaboration with the Centreville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer is leading the prosecution.
