Marina
A Kansas City man has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for illegally possessing and transferring machine gun conversion devices.
The case highlights the government’s tough stance on illegal firearms and conversion parts, often known as auto sears or switches, which can instantly transform a semi-automatic rifle into a fully automatic weapon.
Key Case Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Demetrius Harris (aka “Meech”) |
| Age | 24 years |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Sentence | 2½ years (30 months) in federal prison, no parole |
| Offense | Possessing and transferring three machine gun conversion devices |
| Firearm | AR-style AM-15 rifle with conversion device |
| Sale Date | January 24, 2024 |
| Sale Price | $1,060 |
| Investigation | Carried out by federal agents |
| Prosecutor | Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh |
| Program | Project Safe Neighborhoods |
Who Is Demetrius Harris?
Demetrius “Meech” Harris, a 24-year-old from the Kansas City area, came under federal investigation for trading in illegal conversion devices.
These small but highly dangerous pieces of equipment are designed to turn common semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machine guns, making them especially risky in the wrong hands.
The Crime: What Happened
On January 24, 2024, Harris sold an AR-style rifle modified with a conversion device to an undercover agent.
Along with the rifle, he also transferred two additional auto sears and ammunition. The total cost of the illegal transaction was $1,060.
By law, these conversion devices are considered machine guns themselves, meaning that merely possessing, selling, or transferring them is a federal crime, regardless of whether they are installed in a firearm.
Sentencing Decision
Harris was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison without parole. The sentence was handed down by a federal judge who emphasized the risks posed by these devices to public safety.
Unlike other sentences where parole might shorten prison time, this ruling ensures Harris will serve the full term unless extraordinary relief is granted.
This sentencing reflects a zero-tolerance approach by the Department of Justice in handling cases involving illegal machine guns or conversion devices.
Why This Case Matters
- Severe legal consequences: The sentence shows how seriously the courts treat crimes involving illegal firearm modifications.
- Public safety focus: Auto sears make weapons capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, raising risks of mass violence.
- Part of a bigger crackdown: The case ties into federal efforts like Project Safe Neighborhoods, which targets the most dangerous offenders to reduce gun violence in local communities.
Legal Implications
- Conversion devices equal machine guns under U.S. law.
- No parole sentences act as a deterrent for others engaged in similar activities.
- Undercover operations remain a primary tool for catching individuals selling illegal firearms and parts.
The sentencing of Demetrius “Meech” Harris to two and a half years in federal prison sends a clear warning to anyone involved in the illegal firearms trade.
With the rise of machine gun conversion devices in recent years, federal authorities are moving aggressively to clamp down on their sale and possession.
This case not only punishes one offender but also reinforces the message that trafficking in illegal weapons or conversion devices will result in serious prison time and long-lasting consequences.