Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
A Broken Arrow resident, Derrick Carl Andrew Chatman, 24, has been charged with several firearm-related offenses after allegedly providing a machinegun conversion device, known as a “switch,” to a minor while under state supervision for previous drug and firearm convictions.
According to an unsealed complaint, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was alerted by the Tulsa Police Department in July when a parent discovered a gun equipped with a switch and ammunition in their child’s bedroom. The juvenile told law enforcement that he purchased the firearm at a gun show held at the fairgrounds and met an individual there who sold him the switch.
The complaint states that Chatman was identified as the seller of the switch. Surveillance footage from the event reportedly shows Chatman buying a firearm. During a subsequent search of his residence, authorities say they found another gun, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a package from China containing additional switches.
Court documents indicate that in July 2024, Chatman faced charges including two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. He pleaded guilty in December 2024 and remains under state supervision.
The ATF and Tulsa Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is handling prosecution.
“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime through cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. In May 2021, the Department introduced new strategies for PSN focusing on building trust within communities, supporting organizations aimed at violence prevention, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
