Jacksonville, Florida (DOJ) – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has handed down sentences to two individuals involved in the illegal sale and transfer of unregistered machinegun conversion devices. Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin, a 43-year-old resident of Orange Park, has been sentenced to five years and eight months in federal prison, while Matthew Raymond Hoover, a 39-year-old resident of Wisconsin, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. The court also ordered Ervin to forfeit $68,000, representing the funds involved in the structuring offense. Ervin and Hoover were found guilty by a federal jury on April 21, 2023.
The case began in January 2021 when Ervin’s bank contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with suspicions that Ervin was trafficking in machinegun conversion devices. Subsequent investigation revealed that Ervin was running an online business selling machinegun conversion devices called lightning links, which were etched into metal cards and marketed as Auto Key Cards. Ervin described these devices as “pen holders,” “novelties,” and “political sculptures.”
In February 2021, federal agents from ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted surveillance on Ervin and witnessed him dropping off numerous packages at an Orange Park post office. Each package was later determined to contain unregistered machinegun conversion devices. These lightning links could be dropped into legal AR-15 type firearms and convert them into fully automatic machineguns.
The devices were further examined by ATF, and it was discovered that a firearms enforcement officer could remove the pieces of a lightning link from an Auto Key Card using a common Dremel rotary tool in about 40 minutes. When these pieces were placed into an AR-15 type firearm, it would transform the semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machinegun. Hoover, through his YouTube channel called CRS Firearms, advertised the Auto Key Cards and encouraged viewers to use them to convert their weapons. This led to a significant increase in Ervin’s sales, with over 2,000 Auto Key Cards sold in just a few months. Ervin compensated Hoover for his advertisements through cash and even a Louis Vuitton purse sent through the mail.
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In March 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Ervin’s home and found Auto Key Cards with etchings for more than 1,500 lightning links. The evidence presented in court indicated that the conspiracy involved at least 6,600 individual lightning links.
The investigation into this case was carried out by the ATF, USPIS, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and David B. Mesrobian prosecuted the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran handled the asset forfeiture.
ATF Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard expressed appreciation for the dedication and tenacity of the investigating agencies. He stated, “Our work was necessary to prove the true nature of the Auto Key Cards being sold by Ervin and Hoover and disrupt their audacious scheme to circumvent federal firearms laws.”
The illegal sale and transfer of machinegun conversion devices pose a significant threat to public safety. These devices have the potential to turn legal firearms into fully automatic weapons, which can cause immense harm in the wrong hands. The prosecution and sentencing of individuals involved in such activities send a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.
It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts in identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in the illegal sale and transfer of firearms accessories that can convert legal firearms into fully automatic weapons. Public education and awareness campaigns should also be implemented to educate firearm owners about the dangers of purchasing and using such devices.
Furthermore, stricter regulations and laws regarding the sale and possession of firearm accessories should be considered. These regulations should aim to prevent the easy access and availability of machinegun conversion devices and other potentially dangerous firearm accessories. By implementing comprehensive measures, we can ensure the safety and security of our communities while upholding the rights and responsibilities of legal firearm owners.
Overall, the sentencing of Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin and Matthew Raymond Hoover serves as a reminder that individuals involved in the illegal sale and transfer of machinegun conversion devices will face severe consequences. This case highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in protecting public safety and upholding the law. By working together, we can continue to combat the illegal firearm market and create a safer society for all.
