The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday that a Richmond felon who concealed a gun in his 6-year-old nephew’s pants had been found guilty of possessing a handgun.
In August 2023, Darneko Yates, 30, was stopped by San Pablo police for a traffic violation. According to the officers, he drove a few blocks before coming to a stop at a relative’s house, partially on the sidewalk.
He was on parole for three felonies: possessing a loaded firearm, soliciting to commit murder, and carjacking. He is not allowed to own or be near any firearms because he is a felon.
Police conducted searches on Yates’ person because he was a parolee. Yates’ niece and nephew were in the backseat of his vehicle. Officers found nothing on Yates, but he seemed to encourage his 6-year-old nephew to get inside the car as soon as he got out. According to the prosecution, the youngster moved slowly and turned away from the cops.
Officers noticed something tucked into the front of the child’s pants when they glanced at his front. It was discovered to be a Glock handgun with eleven rounds of ammunition in it. Prosecutors said that the firearm included a “Glock switch” or “machinegun conversion device,” which enables a shooter to discharge an infinite number of shots with a single pull of the trigger.
Investigators discovered Before the cops searched the car, Yates texted someone to come pull the nephew out, and he acknowledged that the boy had his revolver on him.
In a DOJ statement, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin said, “Using a child to conceal a loaded, fully automatic firearm shows an alarming disregard for their safety and well-being.”
Yates faces a potential sentence of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of felony firearm possession. His sentencing date is set for April 28, 2025.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.