Ahoskie Gang Leader Sentenced to Over Four and a Half Years for Selling a Device that Converts Firearms to Machineguns

RALEIGH, N.C. – An Ahoskie man was sentenced to 55 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for the illegal transfer of a machinegun after an investigation determined that he was illegally selling machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” which convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic.  On October 30, 2024, Quayshaun Deonte Howington, age 33, pled guilty to the charge.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, in April 2023, authorities in Ahoskie and Hertford County launched an investigation into the illegal sale of firearm switches by Howington, aka “Mad Max,” a high ranking member of the G-Shine set of the United Blood Nation street gang.  Law enforcement oversaw the controlled purchase of multiple switches from Howington between April and June of 2023.  Subsequent analysis of the switches conducted by law enforcement confirmed all were drop-in auto-sears which serve only to convert firearms to machineguns.  Furthermore, the switches were determined to be produced by a 3D printer and not a licensed firearms manufacturer.

“We will do all we can to keep auto-sears out of the hands of criminal enterprises and those who look to harm the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “My office will continue to work with our state partners to prosecute these important cases.”

“This sentencing is a testament to the dedication and hard work of multiple law enforcement agencies that played a crucial role in the investigation, prosecution, and apprehension of Howington,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and sends a clear message to those involved in the sale of illegal narcotics, firearms, and violent crime—we will arrest you, prosecute you, and you will go to prison.”

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-21-BO-RN.

###