LAS VEGAS - Clarence Meekins (36) made his initial appearance today for allegedly possessing a machine gun and selling Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) - including machine gun conversion devices known as “Glock Switches" - without a Federal Firearms License. Meekins was previously convicted of two felonies in New York State.
Meekins is charged by indictment with one count of engaging in the business of dealing or manufacturing firearms without a license, two counts of illegal possession of a machine gun, and four counts of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe scheduled a jury trial for Oct. 17, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon.
The indictment alleges that, from March 22 to April 28, 2022, Meekins manufactured, possessed, and sold 3-D printed unserialized PMFs and Glock Switches, which are designed to convert semi-automatic pistols to fire as a fully automatic weapon. Meekins manufactured and sold the weapons without the required Federal Firearms License. Meekins was convicted for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in Nassau County, New York. These prior felony convictions prohibit Meekins from possessing any firearm.
If convicted, the statutory maximum penalties are five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing or manufacturing firearms without a license; 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a machine gun; 10 years for felon in possession of a firearm; not more than three years of supervised release, and a fine.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Reese is prosecuting the case.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.