Boston Man Sentenced for Trafficking Machinegun Conversion Devices

BOSTON, MA – A Boston man was sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in a scheme to traffic machinegun conversion devices.

Michael Wilkerson, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper on [date] for engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms.

In February 2024, Wilkerson pleaded guilty to one count of the charge. He was initially arrested and charged along with co-defendant Elijah Navarro in February 2023.

Wilkerson and Navarro were involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of machinegun conversion devices. These devices convert certain firearms from semi-automatic to fully automatic, rendering the firearm capable of firing multiple shots with a single function of the trigger.

In January 2023, Navarro agreed to sell 12 machinegun conversion devices to an individual in exchange for $1,700. The devices were sold in two separate transactions – the first two for $400 and the remaining 10 for an additional $1,300. The transactions took place at Wilkerson’s residence.

During a search of Wilkerson’s residence in February 2023, authorities seized two 3-D printers, 3-D printing material, machinegun conversion devices, a ballistic vest, as well as firearms, ammunition, and magazines.

Neither Wilkerson nor Navarro possess licenses to import, manufacture, deal, or possess firearms. Navarro pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in December 2023 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement of Wilkerson’s sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.