A Savannah man who tried to flee from police with a converted machine gun and multiple drugs now faces decades to life in federal prison after his conviction on federal charges.
At a Glance
- Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, was convicted after a two-day federal trial for drug trafficking and weapons charges
- McKenzie possessed a Glock handgun illegally modified with a “Glock switch” to function as a machine gun
- He was caught with cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine in distributable quantities
- As a convicted felon, McKenzie was already prohibited from possessing firearms
- He faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years to a maximum of life in federal prison with no possibility of parole
Traffic Stop Gone Wrong
Malik Javier McKenzie’s troubles began when he attempted to evade Savannah police during a routine traffic stop. The 27-year-old Savannah resident crashed his vehicle while fleeing and then continued his escape attempt on foot before officers apprehended him. The traffic stop quickly escalated from a routine law enforcement encounter to a major federal case when officers discovered what McKenzie was carrying. The failed escape led to the discovery of both illegal weapons and a substantial quantity of narcotics that would subsequently result in multiple federal charges.
Dangerous Arsenal and Drugs
A search of McKenzie following his apprehension revealed he was carrying a Glock handgun that had been illegally modified. The weapon was equipped with a “Glock switch” conversion device that transformed the semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Making matters worse, McKenzie was already prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his status as a convicted felon with previous convictions on his record.
In addition to the illegal weapon, officers discovered McKenzie was carrying a fanny pack containing substantial quantities of multiple controlled substances. The narcotics included cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine – all in amounts consistent with distribution rather than personal use. The combination of an illegal machine gun and multiple types of drugs significantly elevated the seriousness of McKenzie’s offenses and the potential penalties he would face.
Federal Conviction and Severe Consequences
Following a two-day trial in U.S. District Court, McKenzie was convicted on all charges brought against him. The jury found him guilty of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The conviction represents another case in ongoing federal efforts to combat both drug trafficking and the increasing problem of illegal firearm modifications.
McKenzie now faces extraordinarily severe penalties for his crimes. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The maximum penalty could extend to life behind bars. Unlike state prisons, the federal system offers no possibility of parole, meaning McKenzie would be required to serve his entire sentence regardless of length. The case illustrates the serious consequences that await those who combine drug trafficking with illegal weapons, particularly fully automatic firearms.
