Hamilton man sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms, Glock switch

CINCINNATI – A previously convicted felon was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 60 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms, including a fully automatic weapon.

Justin Ervin, 35, of Hamilton, possessed a machinegun-conversion device, known as a switch. The device converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.

According to court documents, in May 2024, Hamilton police officers executed a search warrant at a residence in which Ervin had been living. Officers were originally called to the house in response to a strangulation incident, for which Ervin has pleaded guilty in state court. Officers discovered seven firearms, one conversion device and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition at the residence.

As a previously convicted felon for robbery and arson, Ervin is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Ervin was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested in June 2024. He pleaded guilty in October 2024.

Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division; and Hamilton Police Chief Trent Chenowith announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe and Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy are representing the United States in this case.

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