A Savannah resident, Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, was convicted in U.S. District Court for drug trafficking and firearms charges. According to Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, McKenzie faced charges including Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The convictions mean McKenzie faces a minimum of 30 years in prison, with a potential life sentence and supervised release thereafter, as federal sentencing does not allow for parole.
The trial detailed an incident where McKenzie, driving a vehicle, evaded police during a traffic stop, leading to a crash. He subsequently fled on foot and was involved in a struggle with law enforcement. A search revealed a Glock handgun on his person and a fanny pack containing cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine. The DEA later confirmed these substances, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) identified a "machinegun conversion device" on the handgun allowing it to operate as a machinegun. McKenzie was barred from firearm possession due to previous convictions.
Praise was directed towards law enforcement efforts. "I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case," said Tracey Howard, Hinesville Chief of Police. "Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions."
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka noted the rise in illegal conversion devices, stating, "Machinegun conversion kits are turning up more and more in our streets and at crime scenes. These conversion devices are illegal, dangerous, and pose a serious threat to the community. ATF is working closely with our law enforcement partners to keep these devices off our streets."
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked, "Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities. Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation."
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which focuses on eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation integrates the resources of the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The investigation involved the ATF, DEA, and Hinesville Police Department, prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.