Two Richmond County men were sentenced to prison on May 20 after pleading guilty to charges related to an illegal firearms accessory importation scheme in Augusta, Georgia.
Jafere Deshon Elliott and Korbynn Jevon Jackson, both 23 and residents of Augusta, pled guilty to Illegal Importation of Firearms or Ammunition and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen sentenced each defendant to 48 months in prison, a $2,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following their sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The extensive collaboration between multiple law enforcement and investigative agencies in this case is a shining example of exemplary police work and was instrumental in holding these criminals accountable,” said Heap. “These devices have no place on the streets or in the hands of those that would cause harm in the community.”
According to details from investigators, Homeland Security Investigations agents notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a package from China containing 13 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) destined for an apartment in Augusta. Agents discovered that two weeks prior another package addressed to the same location had been intercepted at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, said: “The illegal importation and possession of machinegun conversion devices pose a significant threat to public safety, and Homeland Security Investigations is proud to have worked alongside our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt this dangerous scheme.” He continued: “HSI remains committed to protecting our communities by preventing illegal firearms and accessories from reaching our streets and ensuring those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”
Investigators found that Elliott and Jackson ordered MCDs—also known as ‘auto sears’—from distributors who packaged them as toys before shipping them domestically. The ATF determined these items met the legal definition for MCDs after analysis.
Gregory Alvarez, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Atlanta Field Office, said: “The interception of these weapon conversion devices demonstrates the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers in preventing dangerous items from entering our communities.” He added: “Through close collaboration with our federal partners, we are committed to protecting public safety and ensuring those who attempt to circumvent the law are brought to justice.” The investigation was conducted by ATF, HSI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Scanlon.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia prosecutes federal crimes—including cases such as this one—and manages civil litigation for the United States while operating under the Department of Justice with approximately 70 attorneys and support staff based at its Savannah headquarters as well as a branch office in Augusta; it also promotes community safety through programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods, according to its official website.
