A Savannah resident, Malik Javier McKenzie, aged 27, has been convicted of drug trafficking and weapons charges following a trial in the U.S. District Court. The announcement was made by Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. McKenzie's convictions include Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. As a result, McKenzie faces a statutory minimum penalty of 30 years and could potentially face a maximum of life imprisonment.
The trial presented evidence showing McKenzie as the driver who evaded police during a traffic stop, which led to a crash, a foot chase, and a subsequent physical struggle. During the search of his person, law enforcement discovered a Glock handgun in his pocket and multiple controlled substances—Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine—in a fanny pack. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later confirmed the presence of these substances, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) found a "machinegun conversion device" on the Glock, illegally modifying it to act as a machinegun.
Tracey Howard, Hinesville Chief of Police, praised the work of officers and federal partners stating, “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka addressed concerns about "machinegun conversion kits" being more prevalent in crime scenes, noting their illegality and potential threat to public safety.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, highlighted the prevalence of guns, drugs, and violence in drug trafficking, reaffirming the organization's commitment to combating drug-related crime.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which utilizes the Department of Justice resources to counter illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from crime. It is supported by the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, DEA, and the Hinesville Police Department, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.