Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
Derrick Carl Andrew Chatman of Broken Arrow was sentenced on Apr. 28 to 24 months in prison for illegally possessing firearm conversion devices known as "switches," according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge John D. Russell, who also ordered Chatman, age 25, to serve one year of supervised release after his imprisonment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal modification of firearms and its impact on community safety. Law enforcement agencies say such modifications can significantly increase the lethality of handguns and pose risks to public safety.
Authorities said that in July 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was alerted by Tulsa Police after a parent discovered a firearm with an attached switch in their juvenile's bedroom. The juvenile told police he had purchased both the gun and switch at a local gun show from a man who installed the device onsite.
A search at Chatman's residence uncovered another firearm, ammunition, and a box from China containing additional switches. Investigators also intercepted a second package addressed to Chatman from China with fifteen more conversion devices inside. According to state court records referenced in the announcement, Chatman had previously been charged with drug offenses and possession of a firearm while committing a felony in July 2024; he pleaded guilty shortly after being charged and was under state supervision when federally indicted.
Chatman will remain in custody until transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for his sentence.
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies including ATF, Tulsa Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol; Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting it.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma contributes to community safety through enforcement efforts according to its official website. The office is part of the Department of Justice as outlined online and employs more than 65 Assistant United States Attorneys according to its website. Its mission includes impartial litigation and strategic partnerships designed to enhance public safety as described online, covering prosecutions across eleven counties including Tulsa County as indicated on its website.
