A’Jon Hall, a 20-year-old from Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a machine gun.
Court documents state that on June 22, 2025, large crowds gathered in downtown Indianapolis for Game Seven of the NBA Finals. At around 10:52 p.m., officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were alerted by a member of the public about an armed man dressed in black and carrying a backpack who was displaying firearms near a hotel on Georgia Street.
When officers arrived at the scene, they saw people running away from a nearby street. They found Hall, who matched the description provided. Hall ignored police commands and fled into a parking garage stairwell. During the chase, officers heard what sounded like Hall discarding his backpack. He attempted to hide between floors but surrendered after repeated commands.
Two days later, IMPD officers and members of the Indianapolis Fire Department found the discarded backpack. Next to it was a Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun fitted with a Glock switch—a device that converts semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons—and a 50-round drum magazine.
These conversion devices are considered machine guns under federal law even if not installed and are illegal for individuals to possess or sell.
“Machine gun conversion devices are among the most dangerous illegal weapons circulating in our communities. A single switch can turn a handgun into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing dozens of rounds in seconds, putting innocent people at extraordinary risk,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “As Indianapolis continues to host major events that draw large crowds from across the country, our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure this city remains a safe place to live, work, and gather.”
“We are grateful to the responding IMPD officers for their bravery in confronting an extremely dangerous individual armed with an illegal machine gun in a highly volatile situation,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “While we may never know Hall’s true intent that evening, this successful prosecution ensures he will be unable to commit further acts of violence while incarcerated.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter for prosecuting this case as part of an ongoing partnership with Indianapolis officials aimed at addressing violent crime in Marion County.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice focusing on combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
