Boston Man Sentenced for Unlawful Trafficking of Machinegun Conversion Devices

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally selling a dozen machinegun conversion devices.

Michael Wilkerson, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 20 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In February 2024, Wilkerson pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms. Wilkerson was initially arrested and charged along with co-defendant Elijah Navarro in February 2023. 

Wilkerson and Navarro were involved with the manufacturing and trafficking of “machinegun conversion devices,” these devices convert certain firearms from semi-automatic to fully automatic, rendering the firearm capable of firing multiple shots by a single function of the trigger. In January 2023, Navarro agreed to sell 12 machinegun conversion devices to an individual in exchange for $1,700. Following a series of communications, Navarro met the individual twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 19, 2023, Navarro sold the first two machinegun conversion devices for $400 and later, on Jan. 25, 2023, Navarro sold the remaining 10 devices for an additional $1,300 out of Wilkerson’s residence. 

During a search of Wilkerson’s residence in February 2023, two 3-D printers, 3-D printing material, machinegun conversion devices, a ballistic vest as well as firearms, ammunition and magazines were seized. 

Neither Navarro nor Wilkerson possess licenses to import, manufacture, deal or possess firearms.  

Navarro pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in December 2023 and is currently awaiting sentencing. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.