Executive Summary
- Kewhan Landrum and Deyonte’ Betties were sentenced to federal prison for possession of a machinegun, specifically Glock pistols equipped with conversion devices.
- The investigation revealed both individuals were consistently involved in trading firearms and narcotics, with Betties supplying Landrum with the illegal weapon.
- This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, aligning with a promise by President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively target violent criminals.
Laws and Precedent
- The defendants were sentenced to federal prison for possession of a machinegun, a charge prosecuted under federal law, which strictly regulates fully automatic weapons and devices that convert firearms into machineguns, consistent with the Department of Justice’s “Operation Take Back America” initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.
Kewhan Landrum, 19, and Deyonte’ Betties, 21, both of Pensacola, Florida, have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced. Landrum received 36 months, while Betties was sentenced to 40 months. The conviction follows an investigation into a Glock pistol found with a machinegun conversion device.
Details of the Investigation
Court records indicate that in October 2024, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized a Glock pistol from Landrum’s possession. This weapon was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, allowing it to function and fire as a fully automatic weapon. Investigators later determined Landrum had acquired the firearm from Betties.
Further investigation revealed that Betties was in possession of several other firearms also fitted with machinegun conversion devices. Both Landrum and Betties were found to have been consistently involved in the trading of firearms and narcotics. This pattern of activity contributed to the severity of their charges.
Law Enforcement Response
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin praised the collaborative efforts of state and federal law enforcement partners in bringing the defendants to justice. Heekin emphasized that this case represents a success for the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.
Heekin’s statement underscored the commitment to fulfill a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively target violent criminals. The objective is to enhance the safety and security of communities by removing dangerous individuals and weapons from the streets.
Agencies Involved
The conviction and subsequent sentences were the result of a joint investigation. This collaborative effort was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case, ensuring the federal charges were pursued effectively.
These sentences underscore the ongoing commitment by federal authorities to combat illegal firearm possession and reduce violent crime in communities. The case highlights the continued focus on individuals involved in the trafficking of dangerous weapons and narcotics, particularly those utilizing machinegun conversion devices. Such actions are a direct challenge to public safety and are met with stringent legal consequences.
