Malando Bates, 24, of Fort Worth, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Bates pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on March 9, 2023. U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant handed down the sentence of 120 months, an upward departure from the recommended guideline range. In his ruling, Judge Mazzant cited Bates' history of firearm-related offenses, noting that he possessed a Glock pistol with a Glock switch attached, converting it to a fully automatic weapon. Judge Mazzant emphasized that the sentence would serve to protect society.
According to court information, on Oct. 24, 2021, law enforcement encountered Bates after hearing gunshots. Initially providing a false identity as his brother and claiming to be a U.S. Marine, Bates later admitted to lying because of his status as a convicted felon, knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Law enforcement found Bates in possession of several firearms, including a Glock pistol with a Glock switch, a fully loaded 30-round magazine, and two AR-style rifles with loaded magazines. Glock switches are devices attached to Glock handguns that convert them into fully automatic weapons.
"Today’s sentence should send a clear message that anyone who manufactures, sells, or possesses a machine gun conversion device will be prosecuted federally and face serious consequences," said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, aimed at reducing violent crime. The investigation was conducted by the Highland Village Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey M. Batson prosecuted the case.
