A Rock Island resident, Juwan Attron Johnson, 28, also known as “Chubbs,” has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a machine gun. The sentencing took place in Davenport, Iowa.
Court documents and evidence presented during sentencing revealed that in February 2025, Johnson possessed a machine gun conversion device. These devices, often called “switches,” can turn a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing multiple rounds with one trigger pull. Under federal law, such conversion devices are classified as machine guns and are illegal to possess.
Johnson was also prohibited from having firearms or ammunition due to his status as a felon. His criminal record includes a conviction for voluntary manslaughter in 2017.
Following his prison term, Johnson will serve two years of supervised release. There is no parole available in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and tracking outcomes. More information about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
