Milwaukee Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Machine Gun Conversion Devices and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 24, 2024, Demario Robinson (age 22) pled guilty to smuggling machinegun conversion devices, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 545, and possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

Based on the criminal complaint and the plea agreement filed in this case, between July 11, 2022, and June 5, 2023, Robinson bought and caused to be imported over 200 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), commonly referred to as “switches.”  Robinson then sold these MCDs to others in the greater Milwaukee area.  MCDs convert ordinary pistols into fully automatic weapons. 

According to court records, 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 on his residence, resulting in the recovery of a firearm containing a MCD, which made it illegal to possess, even for someone otherwise not prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Additionally, Robinson has a prior felony conviction prohibiting his possession of any firearm. 

Based upon the counts of conviction, Robinson faces a statutory maximum of 35 years’ imprisonment.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 24, 2024, before United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller.   

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force, and the Milwaukee Police Department – Special Investigations Division.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Roach and Mike Schindhelm.

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For Additional Information Contact:

Public Information Officer

Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

414-297-1700

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