HARRISBURG, PA — A multi-agency investigation has led to the arrest of two 19-year-old Philadelphia men after authorities intercepted a foreign shipment containing machine gun conversion devices disguised as toys, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
The suspects, Michael Rodriguez and Khalil Jenkins, were charged following a joint operation involving the Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Philadelphia Police Department. The investigation culminated in the seizure of 11 machine gun conversion switches and the recovery of firearms and drugs from a North Philadelphia residence.
“These illegal devices are designed to maximize death and destruction, and have no place in civilized society,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Time and time again, these devices have been used to perpetrate violence and mayhem.”
The devices—also known as “switches”—are used to convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. They were discovered in a package shipped from China and intercepted en route to a North Philadelphia address. The shipment was concealed in toy packaging.
On Tuesday, investigators observed Rodriguez taking possession of the package and subsequently stopped his vehicle. Inside, agents recovered the concealed devices along with marijuana. A search of a nearby North Warnock Street residence followed, where authorities found a handgun equipped with a conversion switch, a fully automatic rifle, and ammunition. Additional conversion devices and marijuana packaged for distribution were also seized.
Jenkins, who was present at the residence, was determined to have had possession of the firearms.
Both men were arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Two counts of possession of offensive weapons
- Two counts of possessing an instrument of crime
- Felony-level marijuana trafficking
Rodriguez’s bail was set at $750,000, while Jenkins’ bail was set at $500,000. Both were arraigned on Tuesday.
“This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of our cooperative efforts,” said Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “These devices pose a grave danger to our communities and the law enforcement professionals who protect them.”
The cases will be prosecuted by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Gun Violence Task Force.
As with all criminal proceedings, it is important to note that the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains ongoing.
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