Joshua Michael Jenkins, a 22-year-old resident of Charlotte, has been sentenced to 88 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a machinegun. This was announced by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The case dates back to October 30, 2022, when Jenkins was stopped by a trooper from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for speeding on the interstate. Jenkins attempted to evade capture by driving at speeds up to 130 miles per hour before colliding with four vehicles at an intersection after running a red light. He then fled on foot toward a shopping center, holding a firearm that he pointed at the pursuing trooper before being apprehended.
A search conducted in a nearby parking lot trashcan revealed a Glock model 23 pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a “Glock Switch.” Social media posts also showed Jenkins posing with firearms featuring similar modifications and videos indicating automatic weapon firing.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and Huntersville Police Department for their roles in investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William Wiseman prosecuted this case. Wiseman is affiliated with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was appointed by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather as SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. The position reflects collaboration between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
