Tech student booked on machine gun, drug charges

Agents with the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Task Force have arrested a 24-year-old Louisiana Tech University student who reportedly told investigators he was trying to use a 3D printer to make a device that converts AR rifles to fully automatic weapons in his on-campus apartment.

Michael Blake Payne, of Monroe, also had multiple clear plastic totes of “extremism material” in his apartment including books, flags, medals and uniforms, his arrest affidavit said.

But authorities said there is no indication Payne was planning any disruptive act, and that the neo-Nazi material could be collectibles.

According to Payne’s arrest report, LPNET agents discovered the printer, along with parts of a gun that were “being readily converted,” the totes, two firearms, and drugs during a sweep of his apartment Saturday. The sweep was prompted by suspected drug activity.

Earlier that morning, agents were called to Northern Louisiana Medical Center in response to an individual who feared he had ingested methamphetamine.

The individual apparently told agents Payne supposedly sold him nine Adderal pills but because the bottle from which the pills were taken said “ICE,” feared he’d gotten meth. Ice is a slang term used to refer to meth.

The individual reportedly told authorities he had previously purchased cocaine from Payne and that Payne had offered him testosterone.

Based on that information, LPNET obtained a search warrant for Payne’s apartment in Neilson Commons.

Payne was taken into custody shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday. Agents found a white plate with a half-cut drinking straw and orange residue powder consistent with crushed Adderal in plain view, Payne’s arrest affidavit said.

In Payne’s bedroom, agents found three brands of anabolic steroids, totaling 129 pills; Cialis; partial vials of testosterone; and just over 11 grams of marijuana. They also found a 9mm handgun with one magazine, a .38 revolver and the lower portion of an M4.

An M4 is similar to an AR-15. The lower portion contains the trigger mechanism.

Though the lower portion is inoperable as a weapon without the rest of the gun, it is considered a firearm under federal law. It’s also the portion containing the serial number.

In addition, agents found multiple drug digital scales, drug paraphernalia including syringes, and used and unused smoking devices.

Payne is charged with possession of Schedule I – marijuana, illegal carrying of a weapon during the commission of a drug felony, manufacturer of machine guns, violation of Uniformed Controlled Dangerous Substance Law – drug-free zone, possession with intent to distribute a legend drug – testosterone, possession with intent to distribute a legend drug – anabolic steroids, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bond to be set.