Houston Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing Machine Gun

Monday, September 30, 2024, 9:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HOUSTON, TX.- U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani reported that on Friday, September 27, 2024, Latravion Knighten, also known as “pg_tray,” 21, of Houston, Texas, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Sothern District of Texas and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sim Lake to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his previously entered guilty plea.

     Knighten, on April 29, 2024, pleaded guilty before Judge Lake in U.S. District Court to Illegally Possessing a Machine Gun.

Knighten Brags On Social Media

     During Friday’s hearing, Judge Lake heard Knighten bragging on social media posts about the sound of his “switch” and appeared to be armed on the posts. In handing down the sentence, Judge Lake noted that a sentence at the higher end of the guidelines was appropriate for Knighten. He further ordered that the 33 months be served consecutive to his state charge of violating the terms and conditions of his state probation.

     According to documents filed with the court, on May 10, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted stationary surveillance on Knighten, a documented known gang member, who was staying at an Airbnb location and had an active warrant for his arrest. Officers witnessed flashes of green light known to be from laser sights on firearms on the wall of the back porch of the residence.

     The following day, officers saw Knighten exit the residence and enter a Silver Pontiac Grand Prix with a handgun in the waistband of his pants. 

     As officers began to follow Knighten in the Grand Prix, the vehicle made numerous sudden turns, signaling to the officers that the occupants knew they were being followed.

Hides Machine Gun In Bushes

     Police Officers observed Knighten exit the Grand Prix and run to the side of the street, where they saw him hide something in the brush surrounding a tree. Knighten suddenly turned and ran into the path of the law enforcement surveillance vehicle. The vehicle struck him, knocking him to the ground. Despite being hit, Knighten immediately stood up, approached officers, and proclaimed his innocence.

     After placing Knighten under arrest, officers returned to the tree and found a .40 caliber Glock model 23 with a machine gun conversion device with an attached green laser sight. Authorities also seized a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 17 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.

     A subsequent test firing of the handgun revealed and confirmed that it was a fully operatable machine gun.

     Knighten remains in federal custody, where he has been since his initial arrest on May 11, 2024.