NEW ORLEANS, La. (KPEL News) – A New Orleans man who used social media to sell drugs and illegal machinegun conversion devices has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges and will serve 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Lovon White, 22, admitted to possession with intent to distribute drugs, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a machine gun.
Social Media Sales and Machinegun Conversions
According to court records, White was using social media to advertise and sell drugs, as well as devices that convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic machine guns. These illegal conversion devices, sometimes referred to as “switches,” have been a growing concern for law enforcement, as they turn commonly owned firearms into highly dangerous automatic weapons.
In June 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at White’s residence and recovered:
- Two illegally modified firearms: an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15 pistol and a Glock Model 21, .45 caliber pistol, both equipped with machinegun conversion devices.
- Tapentadol and marijuana, which White intended to distribute.
- Drug trafficking supplies and hundreds of dollars in drug proceeds.
In July, he was indicted on three charges in the wake of that arrest.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Under the plea agreement, White will serve 10 years in federal prison and face at least three years of supervised release—which could extend up to life. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 for each charge and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per charge…