John Thomas Worthy, a 51-year-old resident of Hugo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to one year of probation for possessing a machine gun, according to an April 9 announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address unlawful firearm possession. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Worthy pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025, in federal district court. Investigators said that on January 21, 2025, Worthy knowingly possessed a firearm that had been modified so it could fire more than one round with a single pull of the trigger without manual reloading.
The sentencing hearing was overseen by Senior Judge Ronald A. White in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the government during proceedings.
Cases like this demonstrate law enforcement’s focus on preventing illegal modifications and possession of firearms capable of automatic fire.
