Facing a lengthy sentence, Malik Javier McKenzie from Savannah lands in federal court for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
Key Takeaways
- McKenzie, aged 27, convicted in federal court for drug trafficking and firearm possession.
- The charges include possession of a machine gun due to a “Glock switch” device.
- His previous felon status prohibited firearm possession.
- During an evasion of police, McKenzie attempted escape, leading to his arrest.
- McKenzie faces a minimum 30-year sentence, with life imprisonment as a possibility.
From Savannah to Federal Court
Malik Javier McKenzie, a 27-year-old from Savannah, has been convicted of drug trafficking and converting a handgun into a machine gun. In federal court, the charges were made official after a two-day trial. McKenzie had attempted to evade a police traffic stop, leading to a car crash and a foot pursuit before law enforcement apprehended him.
Illegal Firearm Possession and Drug Trafficking
A search revealed McKenzie possessing a Glock handgun that had been illegally modified with a “Glock switch,” transforming it into a machine gun, capable of firing multiple rounds per trigger pull. Felons are barred from possessing firearms, further complicating his situation. Evidence also showed McKenzie intended to distribute significant amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine.
This arsenal contributes to his current charges of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Potential Sentencing and Implications
McKenzie faces a statutory sentence ranging from a minimum of 30 years to life in prison, highlighting strict federal policies regarding firearm and drug-related offenses. Without parole in the federal system, McKenzie’s future remains uncertain yet firmly within the bounds of his convictions and the law’s consequences.
His case underscores the ongoing battle against illegal drugs and modified firearms, with McKenzie’s arrest and conviction serving as a stark reminder of zero tolerance for these transgressions.
