Niles Man Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Gun Linked To Prior Shootings

Prosecution Part of a Larger Effort to Disrupt String of Gang-Related, Retaliatory Shootings

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN— U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Lawrence Edward Slaughter II, 20, of Niles, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm that was connected to shootings and modified to a fully automatic weapon. This prosecution was part of an enforcement operation aimed at disrupting a string of gang-related retaliatory shootings in Niles, which had killed two individuals and injured several more.

          “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 U.S. Attorney Mark 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.” 

          On September 23, 2022, law enforcement received information that members of the Pop Out Gang of Niles, Michigan, were planning a retaliatory shooting for the recent deaths of two individuals. In particular, law enforcement learned that members of the gang planned to use firearms and ammunition located at the home of Mr. Slaughter, who was on state probation for tampering with evidence, concealing a weapon, and assaulting a police officer.

          After receiving this information, law enforcement accompanied probation officers from the Michigan Department of Corrections on a probation compliance check. The search located firearms inside a roommate’s bedroom. Underneath the bed, they found a Glock 9mm handgun and an AR rifle with a full “P Mag” that holds approximately 100 rounds of ammunition.

          The search also located two additional pistols in the bedroom closet. One of these pistols was a 9mm Glock pistol that DNA evidence connected to Mr. Slaughter. The pistol had an illegal machinegun conversion device attached. This device, often referred to as a “switch,” allows a shooter to spray bullets with a single pull of the trigger and inflict staggering harm. Moreover, the gun was 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. These guns are often passed around inside and outside of groups, especially after a shooting.

          As recently announced, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is running a 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.”

          “The combined efforts of the Niles Police Department and the FBI contributed to the successful conviction and sentencing of one the most violent offenders, who possessed an illegal firearm and conversion device within this community,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan. “Those who commit crimes, especially involving firearms which can cause serious bodily injury and/or death, will be investigated and arrested by members of the FBI and our law enforcement partners."

          The previous press release, press conference footage, and indictment can be viewed here. Government documents filed as part of sentencing and providing further details are attached.

          The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaToyia Carpenter and investigated by the Niles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

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