Grand Rapids Reporter

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced today that Lawrence Edward Slaughter II, 20, of Niles, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm connected to previous shootings and modified to function as a fully automatic weapon. This prosecution is part of an effort to disrupt gang-related retaliatory shootings in Niles that have resulted in two deaths and several injuries.

“From large cities to small towns like Niles, Michigan, we are laser-focused on stopping the few individuals – like Mr. Slaughter – who are driving gun violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Safety is a civil right. Every person, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live their life, walk their neighborhood, and play in the park free from the fear of violence and gunfire. We will not stop until this right is a reality for everyone.”

On September 23, 2022, law enforcement received information about planned retaliatory shootings by members of the Pop Out Gang following recent deaths in Niles. The firearms intended for these actions were reportedly located at Mr. Slaughter's residence while he was on state probation for tampering with evidence, concealing a weapon, and assaulting a police officer.

During a probation compliance check by law enforcement and Michigan Department of Corrections officers at Mr. Slaughter’s home, firearms were found inside his roommate’s bedroom. A Glock 9mm handgun and an AR rifle with approximately 100 rounds of ammunition were discovered under the bed.

Two additional pistols were found in the bedroom closet; one was identified as a 9mm Glock pistol linked to Mr. Slaughter through DNA evidence and equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device known as a "switch." This device enables rapid fire with one trigger pull and had been used in four prior shootings in South Bend, Indiana.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently initiated a summer program targeting firearms offenders who possess crime guns.

“The Niles Police Department and the citizens of Niles are happy to see this case concluded with the responsible individual receiving just punishment for their crimes,” said Niles Public Safety Director James Millin. “The Niles Police Department remains committed to working with our citizens as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure our communities are safer for all.”

Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Michigan stated: “The combined efforts of the Niles Police Department and the FBI contributed to the successful conviction and sentencing of one of the most violent offenders who possessed an illegal firearm and conversion device within this community.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaToyia Carpenter and investigated by both the Niles Police Department and FBI.