GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — A Benton Harbor man was sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in a massive gun and drug trafficking operation that terrorized the community.
Earl Austin IV, 22, was found guilty of 15 counts, including trafficking methamphetamine, guns, and machinegun switches. Austin’s codefendants pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from 41 to 70 months in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Austin sold methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone to undercover officers on 17 different occasions. He also sold machinegun switches and firearms to the officers on multiple occasions.
Austin’s sentence is the last in a series of 17 defendants to be sentenced in the case. The investigation, which was led by the FBI, ATF, and DEA, resulted in the seizure of over one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and three machinegun switches.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, saying, “The families of Benton Harbor deserve to live without the fear of violence. Safety is a civil right, and we are committed to making that right a reality.”
Chief Judge Hala Jarbou noted that Mark Curtis, one of Austin’s codefendants, possessed a gun in connection with a first-degree premeditated murder. Curtis was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and received an unspecified sentence.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Cheyvoryea Gibson, said, “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.”
ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir added, “Illegal machinegun conversion devices are a threat to our community and public safety. They are not toys and have no place in our communities.”
Austin’s case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies to keeping communities safe from violent crime. His lengthy sentence serves as a warning to others who would engage in similar activities.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between 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
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- Battle Creek Felon Javon Jones Gets 10 Years for Gun & Chase · Michigan
- William Richardson: Pill Kingpin and Gun Runner · Michigan
- Runion Sentenced for Illegal Gun Sale in Boone Co. · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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