A Longview resident, Jamichael Devorea O’Quinn, pleaded guilty on May 1 to two counts of possession of a machine gun related to a drive-by shooting at a high school graduation party near Longview, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address violent crime and illegal firearms in East Texas communities. The prosecution is part of broader initiatives aimed at increasing public safety and holding offenders accountable.
Court documents show that the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office responded on May 18, 2024, to reports of a drive-by shooting involving a machine gun. Eyewitnesses and victims identified O’Quinn as one of the shooters. Investigators discovered that O’Quinn had posted images online showing off his blue machine gun conversion device—known as a Glock Switch—and made threats about using it. He was arrested during a traffic stop in July where officers seized the same firearm used in the earlier incident, confirmed through ballistic testing.
O’Quinn could face up to ten years in federal prison when sentenced; however, actual sentencing will be determined by the court based on guidelines and other factors following completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. He also faces an unrelated murder charge from another drive-by shooting but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Our focus in this case was to bring some measure of justice for the victims of this shooting. The illegal possession of a machine gun cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “The families of Longview deserve to live free of fear. My office, federal agents, and local law enforcement will never tire in their efforts to root out and hold accountable those who inflict violence on our communities.”
District Attorney John Moore said, “The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office is proud to work with our partners to share a strategy that has improved public safety in Gregg County.” Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner added: “ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice... Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer.”
Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone stated: “The Longview Police Department will not tolerate illegal fully automatic weapons in our city... We are thankful for the partnership and support of the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving multiple agencies focused on combating illegal activity such as violent crime.
According to its official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas supports victims through dedicated services while prosecuting federal crimes across 43 counties from offices located throughout East Texas including Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; it employs around 100 staff members including approximately 50 assistant attorneys as part of its mandate within the United States Department of Justice.
