U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad | U.S. Department of Justice
On December 5, 2024, Demario Robinson, a 22-year-old from Milwaukee, was sentenced to 88 months in prison for smuggling machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) and possession of a firearm by a felon. The case was announced by Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Court records reveal that between July 11, 2022, and June 5, 2023, Robinson imported at least 202 MCDs. These devices are known as "switches" and can convert pistols into fully automatic weapons. Of these devices, about 59 were recovered. This is considered one of the largest MCD distribution schemes uncovered in Wisconsin.
Robinson's activities coincided with an increase in fully automatic gunfire incidents in Milwaukee between 2020 and 2023. He was arrested on June 20, 2023, after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents intercepted a package from China containing 47 MCDs destined for his residence. A search of his home led to the discovery of a stolen Glock handgun with a loaded magazine and an MCD.
Judge Joseph P. Stadtmueller noted that Robinson's actions increased firearm-related dangers in the community and emphasized that the sentence should deter similar crimes. U.S. Attorney Haanstad stated: “The dangerousness and lethality of ‘switches’ and similar conversion devices in our community cannot be overstated.”
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent Michael Hensle commented on the threat posed by such devices: "Machinegun conversion devices pose a real danger to our communities." Sean Fitzgerald from HSI Chicago remarked on the severe public safety threat posed by these illegal devices.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman highlighted the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies in this investigation: “This investigation demonstrates the positive impact the Milwaukee Police Department can have through collaboration with our law enforcement partners.”
The case involved Homeland Security Investigations, FBI's Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force, and Milwaukee Police Department’s Special Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Roach and Mike Schindhelm prosecuted it.
