Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 5, 2024, Demario Robinson (age: 22) was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison for smuggling machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The court record reflects that between July 11, 2022, and June 5, 2023, Robinson bought and caused to be imported at least 202 MCDs, commonly referred to as “switches.” This quantity of MCDs, of which approximately 59 were recovered, represents one of the largest MCD distribution schemes uncovered in Wisconsin to date. MCDs convert ordinary pistols into fully automatic weapons, making the weapons more lethal, more difficult to control, and illegal. Robinson then sold these MCDs to others in the greater Milwaukee area.
According to Milwaukee Police Department records, fully automatic gunfire incidents in the City of Milwaukee have substantially increased between 2020 and 2023:
Robinson was arrested on June 20, 2023, after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents intercepted a package sent from China containing 47 MCDs that Robinson arranged to have delivered to his residence in Milwaukee. A search warrant was then executed at Robinson’s residence during which law enforcement recovered a stolen Glock 19 handgun containing a fully loaded 30 round extended magazine and an MCD, thus constituting an illegal machine gun. A second package intended for delivery to Robinson which contained an additional 10 MCD’s was also intercepted by law enforcement. Additionally, Robinson’s prior felony drug conviction at the time precluded him from possessing any firearm.
At sentencing, United States District Judge Joseph P. Stadtmueller noted that Robinson’s sale of MCDs in Milwaukee increased the danger posed by firearms in our community. He further advised that the sentence should serve to deter Robinson and others in the community from selling and possessing these illegal devices, including those with relatively minor criminal records.
“The dangerousness and lethality of ‘switches’ and similar conversion devices in our community cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting offenders involved in the importation and distribution of these devices. Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we will dedicate whatever resources are needed to stop the spread of these deadly and illegal devices.”
“Machinegun conversion devices pose a real danger to our communities. One pull of the trigger is no longer just one bullet, it could be 15 rounds in one second,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI, in collaboration with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners is unwavering in its commitment to disrupting the illegal use of these devices and holding individuals like Mr. Robinson accountable. The safety and well-being of Wisconsin residents remains our highest priority.”
“The sentencing of Robinson underscores the grave consequences of smuggling machinegun conversion devices and possessing a firearm as a felon. MCDs are extremely dangerous weapons that significantly increase firearms’ lethality and potential for harm. The illegal trafficking and possession of such devices pose a severe threat to public safety and the well-being of our communities,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “This case serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue those who endanger our citizens through their reckless and unlawful behavior.”
“This investigation demonstrates the positive impact the Milwaukee Police Department can have through collaboration with our law enforcement partners. Working together allows us to effectively utilize intelligence and resources to help keep our community safe”, said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force, and the Milwaukee Police Department – Special Investigations Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Roach and Mike Schindhelm.
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