Demario Robinson, a 22-year-old Milwaukee man, was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison for smuggling machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) and possessing a firearm as a felon.
The sentencing took place on December 5, 2024, after a lengthy investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Milwaukee Police Department. According to court records, 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.
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.
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 Gregory J. 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.”
Defendant: Demario Robinson, Charges: Smuggling machinegun conversion devices and felon in possession of a firearm, City and State: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Date: December 5, 2024, Sentence: 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison.
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Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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