A Florida man, Akeem Davis from Brandon, has been handed an 18-month prison sentence after admitting to a firearm offense. Davis, who at 31 years of age was already a convicted felon, pled guilty to possessing and attempting to sell an untraceable 'ghost gun', along with machine gun conversion devices and firearm silencers.
According to the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York, Davis traveled from Florida to Latham, New York to sell the improvised firearm for $1,200. His previous conviction on a Kansas state felony drug charge meant he was prohibited from owning firearms, yet, he not only possessed but actively sought to distribute such illegal weapons.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized that Davis's clear disregard for the law highlights the importance of aggressively pursuing and prosecuting individuals engaged in similar conduct. "His actions, fueled by blatant disregard for the law, are a reminder that this office will not tolerate felons who attempt to flood our streets with illegal, unregulated weapons," Sarcone stated in a press release, reaffirming the office's commitment to public safety and its ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks that threaten community well-being.
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's New York Field Division, emphasized that individuals involved in trafficking illegal firearms, including machine guns and silencers, will be held accountable. The judge also imposed a two-year term of post-release supervision, set to begin after Davis completes his prison sentence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation in this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Paulbeck handling the prosecution. The conviction falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a key initiative of the Justice Department aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN brings together a wide range of partners to address the most urgent violent crime concerns and implement strategies that promote long-term safety within communities.
