Skip to main content
Press Release

Possession of "Glock Switches" Leads to 65 Month Sentence in Federal Prison for Purcell Man

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL ADRIAN ALLEN SMITH, 37, of Purcell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 65 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction and unlawful possession of machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On March 1, 2023, Smith was charged by information with felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of machine guns. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on February 10, 2023, a federal search warrant was issued for Smith’s residence after probable cause was shown Smith was in possession of ammunition. Smith is a convicted felon in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, for possession of a controlled substance for sale by an armed person with a firearm. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served the warrant, and found two machinegun conversion devices commonly known as “glock switches”, which enable a firearm to fire more than one round for each pull of the trigger.

On March 22, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 2. As part of his plea, Smith admitted to possession of two machine gun conversion kits, the possession of which is prohibited under federal law. 

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Smith to serve 65 months in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Smith’s criminal history which includes convictions for domestic violence offenses, and the illegal sale of firearms present in the community.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

Updated October 6, 2023