U.S. Department
of Justice
Mobile Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Machinegun
According to court documents, Nijel Malik Smith, 22, was arrested by Mobile police in April 2023 following a traffic stop. During that stop, police seized marijuana and a Glock .45 caliber pistol from Smith. The pistol was fully loaded and equipped with an illegal machinegun-conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch,” which rendered the pistol a fully automatic weapon. The slide of the pistol was marked with “Gretna PD.” It had previously been reported stolen by a law enforcement officer in Louisiana. During an interview with police, Smith admitted that he possessed the marijuana and the illegally modified pistol. He further admitted that he knew what a “switch” was and suspected that the pistol might be stolen due to the “Gretna PD” markings on it.
In January 2025, while under federal conditions of release and pending sentencing, Mobile police again arrested Smith following a traffic stop. During that stop, Smith again possessed marijuana and a pistol. The January 2025 incident led to revocation of Smith’s bond and denial of credit for acceptance of responsibility at his sentencing.
In addition to the 51-month prison term, United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer ordered Smith to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Smith to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.