A jury has convicted Malik Javier McKenzie, a 27-year-old resident of Savannah, on charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession. The verdict follows a two-day trial in a U.S. District Court, as stated by Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. McKenzie faces a minimum of 30 years in prison, with the potential for a life sentence. Federal prison terms do not allow for parole.
During the trial, evidence was presented that McKenzie attempted to evade law enforcement during a traffic stop. This led to a vehicle crash and a subsequent foot chase, which ended in a physical altercation with law enforcement. A search of McKenzie's person after the struggle uncovered a Glock handgun and a fanny pack containing significant amounts of Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine.
Testing confirmed the substances, noting that Carfentanil is a particularly potent derivative of Fentanyl. The ATF found that the handgun was equipped with a "machinegun conversion device," enabling it to fire multiple rounds per trigger pull, which is illegal.
Due to prior convictions, McKenzie was prohibited from firearm possession. Hinesville Police Chief Tracey Howard praised local and federal efforts in bringing McKenzie to justice. "I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case," Howard stated. "Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions."
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka highlighted the growing issue of machinegun conversion kits, saying, "These conversion devices are illegal, dangerous, and pose a serious threat to the community."
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, emphasized the fight against drug-related crimes, noting, "Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation."
This case is part of the broader Operation Take Back America initiative by the Department of Justice, aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. The Operation includes resources from the DOJ's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, DEA, and the Hinesville Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.
