HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a collaborative investigation with Homeland Security Investigations and Philadelphia Police Department resulted in the interception of a foreign shipment of machine gun conversion devices — or fully automatic firearm switches — and arrests of two Philadelphia men.
Michael Rodriguez and Khalil Jenkins, both 19, are each charged with two counts of possession of offensive weapons and two counts of possessing an instrument of crime, as well as felony drug trafficking regarding marijuana found at their North Philadelphia residence.
Arraignments were Tuesday. Bail was set for Rodriguez at $750,000, and for Jenkins at $500,000.
The Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force and Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, working with Homeland Security Investigations, United States Customs and Border Protection, and Philadelphia Police Department, intercepted a package from China en route to a North Philadelphia address — containing machine gun conversion devices, or switches, disguised in toy boxes. Investigators recovered 11 switches in all.
“These illegal devices are designed to maximize death and destruction, and have no place in civilized society,” Attorney General Sunday said. “A critical mission of the Gun Violence Task Force is focused on proactively removing from the community firearms possessed illegally and these devices. Time and time again, these devices have been used to perpetrate violence and mayhem. I commend our law enforcement partners for their professionalism and dedication to this shared mission.”
“The interception of these machine gun conversion devices is a critical step in preventing potential violence and ensuring public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “These devices, capable of turning firearms into fully automatic weapons, pose a grave danger to our communities and to the brave law enforcement professionals that put their lives on the line each and every day. This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of our cooperative efforts with the Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Philadelphia Police Department. We are dedicated to continuing our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of our citizens.”
“Thanks to the vigilance and expertise of our U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at JFK’s Centralized Examination Station, another dangerous shipment has been intercepted before it could harm our communities. The discovery of these illegal firearm components highlights the critical role CBP plays as America’s first line of defense. Their dedication and swift action in identifying and seizing these deadly components demonstrate the unwavering commitment of CBP to protecting the safety and security of our Nation. This success also underscores the importance of our continued partnership with HSI, the Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Philadelphia Police Department. Together, we are working tirelessly to keep illegal firearms and components off our streets and out of our communities,” said CBP’s Director of Field Operations – New York Field Office, Frank Russo.
On Tuesday, Rodriguez was stopped after taking possession of the package. Inside his vehicle, agents recovered the package, along with marijuana.
This interception led to a search at a North Warnock Street home where agents recovered a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, loaded with fifteen rounds of ammunition, and a fully automatic rifle loaded with sixteen rounds of ammunition.
There was also additional marijuana packaged for resale and additional machine gun conversion switches, at the residence. Jenkins also was at that home and had possessed those firearms.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Gun Violence Task Force. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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