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Louisiana Man Charged by Federal Grand Jury for Allegedly Possessing Approximately 100 Machine Gun Conversion Devices, Drugs, and Other Crimes

New Orleans, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been charged in a seven-count indictment for allegedly violating the Federal Gun Control Act and Controlled Substances Act, and attempting obstruction of justice in connection with the possession of approximately 100 machine gun conversion devices, other firearms accessories, and drugs.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Kody Severin, age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on January 26, 2023, in a seven-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, and for attempted obstruction of justice.

Severin is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). In Count 2, Severin is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). In Count 3 and Count 6, Severin is charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Count 4 changes Severin with the possession of approximately 100 machineguns, that is, multiple types of machinegun conversion devices, which qualify as “machineguns” under Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845(b), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). Count 5 charges Severin with possession of unregistered firearms, including silencers, destructive devices, and approximately 100 machinegun conversion devices, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d). Count 7 charges Severin with attempting to obstruct justice in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(b)(1).

If convicted of Count 1, Severin faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 2, Severin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life in prison, to run consecutively with all other sentences, a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release. If convicted of Counts 3 or 6, Severin faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 4, Severin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 5, Severin faces up to ten years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 7, Severin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Severin must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is only a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Violent Crime Unit.

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