A Boston man is facing up to 10 years behind bars after pleading guilty to trafficking machinegun conversion devices. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Michael Wilkerson, 23, entered his plea for one count of unlawfully dealing in firearms on Thursday.
Beginning his illegal enterprise without the necessary licenses to deal in firearms, Wilkerson partnered with co-defendant Elijah Navarro in a scheme uncovered and charged by federal agencies last February. According to a statement from the Department of Justice, their indictment by a federal grand jury followed in March 2023.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, along with officials from the ATF and Boston Police Department, announced the conviction resulting from Wilkerson's January transactions. Navarro initially agreed to sell the unlawful devices for $1,700, passing two of them off for $400 on January 19, and the remaining 10 devices for $1,300 on January 25. The transactions took place out of Wilkerson’s residence, where later a federal search unearthed two 3-D printers and other incriminating evidence.
Alongside the printers, authorities confiscated printing materials, additional conversion devices, a ballistic vest, firearms, and ammunition. The Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox declared the bust a win for the community, highlighting the danger these devices pose when they reach city streets, sold from Wilkerson's home.
Wilkerson is set to face sentencing on April 30, 2024. The charge can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Navarro, who pled guilty to his part in the conspiracy last December, is awaiting sentencing scheduled for March 13, 2024. Both face potential fines up to $250,000 and supervised release following their incarceration. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit.
