Final Member of Benton Harbor Machinegun and Drug Trafficking Investigation Sentenced

Photo byHCTR

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, who oversees the Western District of Michigan, revealed today that Earl Austin IV, a 22-year-old resident of Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been sentenced to 108 months behind bars for his involvement in the trafficking of methamphetamine, firearms, and machinegun switches. This marks the conclusion of a multi-defendant investigation, with Austin being the last of the 17 defendants from three separate indictments to receive sentencing.

According to U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, "The residents of Benton Harbor deserve to live their lives without the constant fear of violence. Safety is a fundamental right, and we are committed to ensuring its realization. While we acknowledge that prosecuting our way out of the gun violence crisis is not a complete solution, holding individuals accountable for their role in perpetuating violence is crucial."

The charges against Earl Austin IV were initially announced on December 15, 2022, by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. Subsequently, seven additional defendants were charged in three distinct criminal cases.

In this particular instance, law enforcement officials confiscated more than one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and three machinegun switches over a span of six months. Undercover agents made purchases of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone from Austin on 17 different occasions. During two specific instances in August and September of 2022, Austin sold machinegun switches to undercover officers. Subsequently, Austin proceeded to sell an assault rifle and two pistols on three separate occasions between November and December 2022. Eventually, the police obtained a search warrant for Austin's residence where they discovered additional methamphetamine and two firearms. It is important to note that Austin, being a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms. Following a trial, the jury found Austin guilty on all 15 counts listed in the indictment.

Austin's accomplices opted to plead guilty. Robert Griffin received a sentence of 70 months in prison for the sale of methamphetamine. Rhonda Acklin was sentenced to 41 months in prison for selling methamphetamine. Evorion Anderson was sentenced to 70 months in prison for the sale of methamphetamine and machinegun switches.

Additionally, ten other individuals faced charges related to firearm violations, primarily involving the possession or sale of machinegun switches. In a separate case, Torez Burnett was implicated in these violations.

In a third instance, three defendants were charged with the possession of firearms as felons. Following a trial by jury in August 2023, each man was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. During the sentencing, Chief Judge Hala Jarbou determined that Mark Curtis had his gun in connection with a premeditated murder in the first degree.

Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, stated, "Families in Benton Harbor can find solace in the fact that those responsible for distributing harmful drugs and possessing dangerous weapons within the community have been held accountable for their crimes. Through the strong partnerships we have developed with our local, state, and federal counterparts, we are able to identify and apprehend criminals who pose a threat to public safety."

Serious crimes carry serious consequences. Conversion devices that illegally transform firearms into machine guns pose a threat to both our community and public safety. These devices are not toys and have no place in our neighborhoods," emphasized James Deir, the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division. "Mr. Austin made the choice to unlawfully convert firearms while participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines on our streets."

The investigation of this case was conducted by various law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF, DEA, Michigan State Police, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Benton Charter Township Police Department, and the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Castle and Jacob S. Metoxen.