Charlotte resident Tomonta Simmons, 32, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for possessing firearms illegally modified with so-called “Glock Switches,” following an announcement by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. These devices are capable of turning a standard semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic firearm, drastically increasing its firing rate and potential for destruction.
Simmons’ sentence includes 70 months of incarceration to be succeeded by three years of supervised release, this outcome arrives after a dangerous chase through residential areas which led to his initial arrest, during which he dumped two handguns later found to be equipped with the illicit switches, according to a statement obtained by
the U.S. Attorney’s Office
. The pursuit ensued after officers attempted to apprehend Simmons on outstanding warrants, who instead elected to evade through a parking lot and a residential neighborhood at alarming speeds then he was later captured approaching a residence.
Investigations revealed that one of the discarded firearms was a stolen pistol loaded with an extended magazine, both of which were determined by the ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch to have been modified with illegal conversion devices. Simmons, who has previous convictions that include a federal offence for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, pleaded guilty on February 9 to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims of the ATF Charlotte Field Division emphasized the inherent dangers of these modifications, stating, “They pose a very serious threat and ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep them off our streets,” a sentiment echoed by Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, both joined U.S. Attorney King in providing details about the case. Simmons’ arrest and conviction are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods – a nationwide initiative striving to decrease violent crime and make communities safer by uniting law enforcement and local outreach, according to the
U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As Simmons awaits transfer to a federal facility, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shavonn Bennette, responsible for the case’s prosecution, and the collective effort by the ATF and CMPD highlight the ongoing fight against the proliferation of dangerous firearms and the relentless pursuit of safety for neighborhoods impacted by gun violence.
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