Nijel Malik Smith, a 22-year-old resident of Mobile, Alabama, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a machine gun. Court records show that Smith was first apprehended in April 2023 by Mobile police during a traffic stop. Officers found marijuana and a Glock .45 caliber pistol, which had been modified into a fully automatic weapon with a "Glock switch." The pistol, bearing the markings "Gretna PD," had been reported stolen by a law enforcement official in Louisiana. Smith admitted to owning both the marijuana and the handgun, acknowledging the illegal modification and suspecting the gun might be stolen.
Again in January 2025, while Smith was on federal release and awaiting sentencing, he was arrested following another traffic stop by Mobile police, where he was again found with marijuana and a firearm. This second incident resulted in the revocation of his bond and the denial of credit for accepting responsibility at sentencing.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer also ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. During this period, Smith will be required to undergo drug testing and treatment. Judge Moorer imposed no fine but mandated a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced Smith's sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Mobile Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller represented the United States in prosecuting the case.
The case falls under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities to enhance neighborhood safety.