Five charged after 'largest' seizure of machinegun conversion devices in middle district

Five men from several different areas have been charged after authorities led what was called the "largest single seizure" of machinegun conversion devices in the Middle District of Alabama, said U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. 

According to a statement from Davidson a federal grand jury indicted Maceo Levar Edwards, 22, and Elliott Arjuna Turner, 22, both of Montgomery, on April 23.

Both were charged with illegally possessing 53 machinegun conversion devices and the unlawful transfer of a federally regulated firearm.

The statement referred to court records saying that the charges were brought after an operation was conducted by authorities in which Edwards and Turner were allegedly found with the devices after leaving a residence in Montgomery on April 3.

Additionally, Jemarion Fe’Qon Lausane, 24, was arrested at the same residence that day. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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Days later authorities executed a search warrant at the residence of Jalen Rodgers in Repton in relation to the April 3 investigation and charged with possession of machinegun conversion devices. 

Lastly, Ke’Marcus Simmons, 22, of Selma, was arrested on April 25 and similarly charged with illegal possession of a machinegun. 

Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit led the investigation with personnel from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF.

Edwards, Turner, and Simmons each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Lausane faces a sentence of five years to life in prison.