Hamilton man pleads guilty to possessing a machine gun-conversion device

A previously convicted felon from Hamilton pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing firearms, including a fully automatic weapon.

Justin Ervin, 35, of Hamilton, was charged with possessing a machine gun-conversion device, known as a switch, which converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.

Ervin was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested in June, and his plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 5 years in prison.

In May 2024, Hamilton police officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Ervin had been living, according to court documents. Officers were initially called to the house in response to a strangulation incident, which Ervin pleaded guilty in state court.

However, officers discovered seven firearms, a conversion device and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition inside the residence. Because he is a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Ervin was convicted in Butler County Common Pleas Court for arson, a fourth-degree felony, in 2009, and robbery, a second-degree felony, in 2013.

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About the Author

Michael D. Pitman

Michael D. Pitman has been a reporter in southwest Ohio since 1999. He's covered local governments in Warren and Butler counties, as well as state and national issues. He currently covers the cities of Fairfield and Hamilton.