Hamilton, Ohio – Justin Ervin, a 35-year-old man from Hamilton, has entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court for illegally possessing firearms, which included a fully automatic weapon modified with a machinegun-conversion device, commonly known as a “switch.” This device converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, making it even more dangerous and highly restricted under federal law.
Discovery of Firearms Following Domestic Incident
In May 2024, Hamilton police responded to a domestic violence call involving a strangulation incident at Ervin’s residence. During the subsequent investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the property where Ervin was staying. Upon searching the residence, officers discovered seven firearms, including one equipped with the conversion device, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and various firearm accessories. Ervin later pleaded guilty to the strangulation charges in state court.
Given Ervin’s criminal history—including prior convictions for robbery and arson—he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The discovery of these weapons at his residence, particularly the converted fully automatic weapon, led to federal charges and a subsequent indictment by a grand jury in June 2024.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Recommendation
Ervin’s plea agreement recommends a sentence of 60 months in federal prison. The legal proceedings were overseen by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole, with Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe and Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy representing the government. The announcement of Ervin’s guilty plea was made by Kenneth L. Parker, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, along with Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Hamilton Police Chief Trent Chenowith.
