MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) – A 22-year-old Marshall man has been charged with federal firearms violations as a part of a statewide crackdown on “switches”, illegal devices which make pistols fully automatic.
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Cameron Deshun Payton, 22, was arrested as a part of a multi-agency investigation in April for sexual assault of a child and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Now Payton has been charged with possession of a machine gun, possession of an unregistered firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“In June, I announced Operation Texas Kill Switch, a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as switches,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Damien M. Diggs. “As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find these devices and take them off of the streets.”
According to a press release from Diggs’ office, photographs of Payton with an alleged machinegun conversion device or “switch” were found when Payton was arrested at a residence in Marshall back in April. The weapon was also reportedly found at the scene.
“Mr. Payton is now about to face the music as it relates to the illegal possession of machine gun conversion devices. Several months ago, ATF and our four Texas United States Attorney partners announced Operation Texas Kill Switch to combat the scary proliferation of these dangerous devices. These are not toys and will not by treated as such by law enforcement. I’d like to thank all of our partners, especially those in this case, for their diligence in the fight against violent firearms crime. Mr. Payton now knows these partnerships are real and are here to stay,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
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According to Diggs’ office, a switch is about an inch-long piece of metal or plastic that can be 3D printed in order to mount into onto the butt of a pistol, which allows it to keep firing automatically.
If convicted, Diggs’ office said that Payton could face up to 15 years in federal prison. This case is just one part of “Operation Texas Kill Switch” and officials said that local Crime Stoppers groups are offering cash rewards for those who make or posses switches.
“Mr. Payton’s arrest marks a significant step in addressing the rampant violent crimes within our community. His involvement in multiple car chases, deadly conduct with firearms, and the pending charge of sexual assault of a child highlights the urgency and importance of our collaborative efforts. I commend the relentless dedication of the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime & Narcotics Task Force, our officers in Marshall, the ATF and the FBI. Together, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of our citizens,” said Marshall Police Department Chief Cliff Carruth.
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