Marion, Illinois man gets more than eight years for trafficking in guns

A Marion, Illinois man has been sentenced to more than eight years by a federal court for trafficking in firearms. 

According to court records, 20-year-old Lonnie Petty pled guilty to possession and transfer of a machine gun in 2023. Two privately-made guns, also known as "ghost guns", were recovered by police along with a gun that had the serial number destroyed plus five additional firearms. They also discovered "three machine gun conversion devices", a large cache of ammunition, drum magazines, and extended magazines.  

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, "Lonnie Petty recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase with police after trafficking firearms and selling drugs in the presence of children. These actions pose an obvious threat to the safety of our community, and the case demanded decisive action. Our office will hold such offenders accountable and ensure the safety of southern Illinois."
 
Petty reportedly confessed to transferring machine guns in Franklin and Williamson Counties, as well as possessing one in Williamson County.

"The increasing use of machine gun conversion devices by criminals has fueled violence in our communities, endangering both members of the public and law enforcement officers," said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon.

Machine gun conversion devices and "switches" can be used on AR-style rifles or other firearms to allow them to fire as an automatic weapon. These devices are designated as machine guns even if they are not installed, according to wording in the National Firearms Act.