Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced federal charges against four men involved in the largest seizure of machinegun conversion devices in Alabama's Middle District. A fifth man faces related state charges. The announcement, made in conjunction with Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the ATF and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor, marks a significant law enforcement effort.
The devices, which convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic, fall under federal machinegun classifications even when not affixed to firearms. A federal grand jury indicted Maceo Levar Edwards and Elliott Arjuna Turner, both aged 22 from Montgomery, on charges of possessing 53 machines and the unlawful transfer of a federally regulated firearm. These charges arose from an operation on April 3, during which the men allegedly possessed the devices after leaving a Montgomery residence.
Jemarion Fe’Qon Lausane, 24, was arrested at the same residence and now faces federal charges for marijuana distribution intent and possessing a firearm to aid drug trafficking. Additionally, Ke’Marcus Simmons, 22, from Selma, was charged with illegally possessing a machinegun on April 25.
Jalen Rodgers faces state charges for possessing machinegun conversion devices, discovered during an April 18 search at his Repton home. This search was part of the ongoing investigation since April 3, led by the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit. This task force includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and ATF personnel.
The indicted individuals remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. If found guilty, Edwards, Turner, and Simmons could receive up to 10 years in federal prison, while Lausane faces five years to life. Federal sentencing does not provide parole options. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore leads these prosecutions.
The cases are elements of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative against illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations, ensuring community safety through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.