Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices

Florida man sentenced to 30 months for selling illegal machine gun conversion devices.Photo byU.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Jamal Joseph Mala Leonardo, a 20-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for selling illegal machinegun conversion devices, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced today.

Leonardo will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence, the department stated.

According to court documents, Leonardo operated a business selling illegal machinegun conversion devices, which allow semi-automatic firearms to be converted into fully automatic weapons.

Between May and July 2023, Leonardo communicated with an undercover agent through encrypted messaging apps, arranging multiple sales of these devices, the department says.

During the course of the operation, Leonardo not only sold the machinegun conversion devices but also offered two AR-style pistols as part of the transactions.

According to the indictment and court records, Leonardo took several precautions to conceal his actions, demonstrating a belief that he could avoid detection by law enforcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI launched the undercover sting operation after receiving intelligence that Leonardo was actively selling and promoting illegal firearms enhancements online, the department stated.

Court records indicate that Leonardo had been involved in similar illegal activities before his arrest, though no further charges have been pursued at this time.

In addition to the 30-month prison sentence, Leonardo will face three years of supervised release as part of his conviction, the department says.

This case is part of a broader effort by federal authorities to crack down on the sale and distribution of illegal firearms and modifications, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.