Roxbury man gets 20 months in prison for 3-D printing devices to turn guns into automatic weapons

A federal judge this week sentenced Michael Wilkerson, 23, to 20 months in prison and two years of probation for the "machine-gun conversion devices" he printed up in his apartment that he and a pal then sold to somebody who turned out to be working for the feds.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms in February. His accomplice, Elijah Navarro, pleaded guilty in December; he is currently scheduled for sentencing on March 13, 2025.

The devices, also known as switches, convert semi-automatic handguns and rifles into automatic firearms, letting a user empty a magazine of bullets with a single trigger pull.

In their sentencing recommendations, Wilkerson's attorney and prosecutors painted dramatically different pictures.

In asking for a sentence of 18 months and one year of probation, Wilkerson's attorney, Eduardo Masferrer, said Wilkerson was a good man who made a stupid mistake that he realizes he has to pay for. Unlike many defendants, Masferrer wrote, Wilkerson did not have a troubled childhood and was doing well at Madison Park High School, focusing on auto collision and repair classes and dreamed of working to refurbish old cars - and obtain a commercial driver's license to become a long-haul trucker.

However, amidst his journey towards self-improvement and career aspirations, Michael made a regrettable mistake. In early 2023, during a period of unemployment, he succumbed to temptation and utilized his 3D printer to manufacture "switches," an action that he deeply regrets. It's crucial to acknowledge that this lapse in judgment does not define Michael's character or negate the progress he has made in his personal and professional life. Upon his arrest he immediately spoke with law enforcement acknowledging his error in judgement in making the plastic devices. After serving approximately 3 weeks in custody he was released and returned home to his family. He obtained fulltime employment, and has been the same hard working, productive member of society that he has demonstrated himself to be.

He concluded:

It's essential to approach Michael's case with empathy and understanding. He is not a hardened criminal but rather a young man who momentarily veered off course. With the unwavering support of his family, Michael is committed to atoning for his mistake and rebuilding his life. The court to consider the entirety of Michael Wilkerson's circumstances - a narrative marked by resilience, determination, and a genuine desire for redemption. By granting leniency, we not only afford Michael the opportunity to rectify his mistake but also uphold the principles of justice tempered with compassion. Let us not define Michael by his transgression but by his capacity for growth and positive contribution to society.

Assistant US Attorney John Dawley, Jr., however, portrayed a darker side to Wilkerson, in his recommendation of a 30-month sentence followed by three years of probation.

Wilkerson, he said, was "an active associate of the H-Block Raiders street gang" and, when caught, he and his accomplice didn't just have the printers and material used to make the devices, but also "a loaded Taurus G2c 9mm firearm with an obliterated serial number, various rounds of ammunition; and a ballistic vest." And:

Additionally, upon entry in Wilkerson's residence, 12 the search had to be temporarily suspended because investigators located a tubular item resembling a pipe bomb with 39 Homestead Street. BPD's Explosive Ordinance Unit ("EOU") was called to handle the object, which contained firework-related substances.

Dawley added that a stiffer sentence was needed to send a message warning would-be switch makers and users that the feds are coming after them:

A significant sentence of imprisonment is warranted to deter others from becoming involved in illegal machinegun manufacturing and trafficking. The dangers of this conduct is difficult to overstate. Individuals tempted to engage in this type of machinegun distribution must understand that any involvement will have immediate and harsh consequences. Imprisonment is necessary to send a strong warning to others who might otherwise consider profiting from gun dealing that the money is not worth the punishment. Further, general deterrence must be considered for any other individuals similar to the defendant’s status, that dealing in machineguns is not a gainful way of life.

This is a very serious issue in Massachusetts, a state with very strong gun control laws, where the illegal gun trade still results in a steady supply of illegal guns in urban cities in this state This is highlighted by the dangers discussed above and the need to punish those involved in providing such dangerous weapons to criminals. For example, in the last five years, ATF has recovered more than 31,000 machine gun conversion devices. These conversion devices can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in less than 60 seconds. One pull of the trigger can release all of the ammunition in the magazine.

Defense sentencing recommendation (2M PDF).
Government sentencing recommndation (224k PDF).