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RALEIGH – An Ahoskie man was sentenced to 55 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the illegal transfer of a machinegun after an investigation determined that he was illegally selling machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” which convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic.

Quayshaun Deonte Howington, age 33, pled guilty to the charge in October of last year and was sentenced this past Thursday (Feb. 27) by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, in April 2023, authorities in Ahoskie and Hertford County launched an investigation into the illegal sale of firearm switches by Howington, aka “Mad Max,” a high ranking member of the G-Shine set of the United Blood Nation street gang.

Law enforcement oversaw the controlled purchase of multiple switches from Howington between April and June of 2023. Subsequent analysis of the switches conducted by law enforcement confirmed all were drop-in auto-sears, which serve only to convert firearms to machineguns.

Furthermore, the switches were determined to be produced by a 3D printer and not a licensed firearms manufacturer.

“We will do all we can to keep auto-sears out of the hands of criminal enterprises and those who look to harm the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “My office will continue to work with our state partners to prosecute these important cases.”

“This sentencing is a testament to the dedication and hard work of multiple law enforcement agencies that played a crucial role in the investigation, prosecution, and apprehension of Mr. Howington,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and sends a clear message to those involved in the sale of illegal narcotics, firearms, and violent crime—we will arrest you, prosecute you, and you will go to prison.”

The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.