20-year-old Niles man sentenced for illegally possessing gun linked to prior shooting
NILES, Mich. -- U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced 20-year-old Lawrence Edward Slaughter II, of Niles, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm connected to shootings and modified to be a fully automatic weapon.
Authorities say this prosecution was part of an enforcement operation aimed at disrupting gang-related retaliatory shootings in Niles, which killed two people and injured several others.
“From large cities to small towns like Niles, Michigan, we are laser-focused on stopping the few individuals – like Mr. Slaughter – who are driving gun violence in our communities,” said Totten. “Safety is a civil right. Every person, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live their life, walk their neighborhood, and play in the park free from the fear of violence and gunfire. We will not stop until this right is a reality for everyone.”
Official documents state on September 23, 2022, authorities received information that members of the Pop Out Gang, of Niles, were planning a retaliatory shooting for the deaths of two people.
Police learned members of the gang planned to use firearms and ammunition located at the home of Slaughter, who was on state probation for tampering with evidence, concealing a weapon, and assaulting a police officer.
After receiving this information, police joined probation officers from the Michigan Department of Corrections for a probation compliance check.
During the search police say they located firearms inside Slaughter's roommate’s bedroom.
Underneath the bed, authorities found a Glock 9mm handgun and an AR rifle with a full “P Mag” which holds around 100 rounds of ammunition.
Two additional pistols were found in the bedroom closet. Police say one of these pistols was a 9mm Glock pistol with DNA evidence connected to Slaughter.
Police say this pistol had an illegal machinegun conversion device attached. This device, sometimes referred to as a “switch,” allows a shooter to "spray bullets" with a single pull of the trigger.
Authorities say the gun was also a crime gun linked to four prior shootings that occurred in South Bend, Indiana. A “crime gun” is any gun previously fired in the commission of a crime.
Police say these guns are usually passed around inside and outside of groups, especially after a shooting.
U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to run its summer program with other law enforcement partners focused on firearms offenders who carry crime guns.
“The Niles Police Department, and the citizens of Niles, are happy to see this case concluded with the responsible individual receiving a just punishment for their crimes, and another illegal gun taken off the streets,” said Niles Public Safety Director James Millin. “The Niles Police Department remains committed to working with our citizens, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, in order to ensure our communities are safer for all.”