GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Earl Austin IV, 22, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, is headed to federal prison for nearly a decade. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced today that Austin was sentenced to 108 months for his central role in a sprawling methamphetamine, firearms, and illegal machinegun switch trafficking operation. Austin is the final defendant sentenced in a case that spanned three separate indictments and ensnared 17 individuals.
“The families of Benton Harbor deserve to carry out their lives without the fear of violence,” Totten stated bluntly. “Safety is a civil right. These cases represent our commitment to making that right a reality. While we can never prosecute our way out of the gun violence epidemic, accountability for those few individuals who are driving violence is critical.” The investigation began with initial charges against 10 defendants on December 15, 2022, and rapidly expanded to include seven more.
Investigators uncovered a six-month spree of criminal activity fueled by Austin. They seized over one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and three dangerous machinegun switches. The evidence revealed Austin personally conducted 17 separate drug deals with undercover officers, peddling methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. He escalated the danger by selling machinegun switches on two occasions in August and September 2022, followed by the sale of an assault rifle and two pistols over three separate transactions between November and December 2022. A subsequent search of Austin’s residence yielded additional methamphetamine and firearms. As a convicted felon, Austin was already legally prohibited from possessing any weapons.
Austin brazenly took the case to trial, but a jury delivered a guilty verdict on all 15 counts of the indictment. His codefendants weren’t so stubborn. Robert Griffin received 70 months for methamphetamine distribution. Rhonda Acklin got 41 months for the same offense. Evorion Anderson also earned a 70-month sentence for trafficking methamphetamine and machinegun switches. The investigation didn’t stop there. Ten other defendants faced charges related to illegal firearm modifications, specifically machinegun switches.
The source of those switches traced back to Torez Burnett, who allegedly imported the conversion devices from China and distributed them to members of his street gang, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), and others in Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids. A third case saw three defendants charged with being felons in possession of firearms. Following a jury trial in August 2023, all three were convicted. Chief Judge Hala Jarbou went further with Mark Curtis, determining his possession of a firearm was directly linked to a premeditated murder.
“Families in Benton Harbor can take comfort in knowing the individuals responsible for distributing harmful drugs throughout the community and possessing dangerous weapons were held accountable for their crimes,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir added a stark warning: “Serious crimes have serious consequences. Illegal machinegun conversion devices are a threat to our community and public safety. They are not toys and they have no place in our communities. Mr. Austin chose to illegally convert firearms while conspiring to distribute methamphetamines onto our streets. Ultimately, Mr. Austin and his co-cohorts will have considerable time in prison to reflect on their poor decisions.” The investigation involved a multi-agency effort from the FBI, ATF, DEA, Michigan State Police, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Benton Charter Township Police Department, and the Pokagon Band Tribal Police.
Related Federal Cases
- Benton Harbor Narc Convicted of Meth Trafficking · Michigan
- Toledo Felon Gets Nine-Year Sentence for Gun Possession · Michigan
- Battle Creek Felon Javon Jones Gets 10 Years for Gun & Chase · Michigan
- Kalamazoo Felon William Henderson Jr. Gets 13 Years For Gun, Drug Trafficking · Michigan
- Baraga Man Gets 71-Month Sentence for KBIC Beating & Hannahville Assault · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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