Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

DETROIT – A Detroit man was arrested and charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a machine gun, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.

Mohsin was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Deir, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Charged was Delmarco Craig, 22. Craig is a prior convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

According to the criminal complaint and information provided during a court hearing, ATF agents began an investigation into Craig for the illegal possession of firearms. As part of that investigation, agents reviewed an Instagram account utilized by Craig where he would post photographs and live stream videos. In those photographs and videos, Craig is seen posing with several different firearms, including a Glock pistol equipped with a Glock conversion device which, when affixed to a Glock pistol, converts the firearm from a semi-automatic pistol to a fully automatic machine gun.

According to testimony provided during a court hearing, agents executed a federal search warrant at Craig’s residence where they recovered the Glock equipped with a Glock conversion device and six other firearms, two of which were stolen. One of the firearms recovered was a tan and black Palmetto State Armory 5.56 caliber AR rifle with an obliterated serial number partially covered by a black Skull decal. On May 25, 2021, CRAIG streamed an Instagram Live Video in which CRAIG brandishes what appears to be the same rifle. Using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), agents were able to connect the firearm to seven (7) shootings since October 2020, including a homicide and double non-fatal shooting on May 25, 2021 at approximately 11:20 pm in the area of 8576 Strathmoor Street in Detroit, Michigan (several hours after the live video). Additionally, NIBIN connected the rifle to a shooting at a CVS on Grand River Avenue on April 16, 2021 in which surveillance video captured the suspect vehicle as a newer model white escalade with black tires and rims and a black grill. During the search warrant at Craig’s residence, agents recovered a stolen 2021 White Cadillac Escalade from the backyard containing a purple LA Dodgers hat frequently worn by CRAIG on Instagram.

“This case highlights how NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that allows law enforcement to link firearms from multiple crimes scenes allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles,” said Acting US Attorney Mohsin. “Criminals should take notice that law enforcement stands ready to remove those terrorizing our neighborhoods.”

“Every trigger-puller in Detroit should be put on notice. Gun Violence in our community will not be tolerated and those who choose to use a firearm to commit any type of violent act will be held to account for their misdeeds,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “NIBIN is the linchpin for ensuring accountability in eradicating gun violence.”

Craig is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. If convicted, Craig faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert VanWert and Trevor Broad.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.