KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Jamal Joseph Mala Leonardo, a 20-year-old from Kissimmee, apparently missed the memo that selling machinegun conversion devices is frowned upon. Now, he’s trading his entrepreneurial spirit for 30 months of free room and board (with limited internet access) in a federal prison, courtesy of U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton.
Seems Mr. Leonardo had a side hustle going, selling not one, not two, but seventeen machinegun conversion devices to an undercover officer. (We’re guessing he wasn’t offering a loyalty program or punch cards.) He even threw in a couple of AR pistols for good measure, like some kind of illicit happy meal deal.
Unfortunately for Leonardo, the authorities weren’t interested in a buy-one-get-one-free offer on illegal firearms modifications. They raided his bedroom and found 25 more of these nifty devices, none of which were registered as required by law. (Pro tip: if you’re going to deal in illegal firearms, maybe don’t keep your inventory under your bed?)
So, while Leonardo might have fancied himself a bit of an arms dealer extraordinaire, he’s now facing the consequences of his “fast and furious” lifestyle. Let’s just hope he uses his time wisely and maybe picks up a new hobby – knitting, perhaps?
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This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence. It’s a reminder that while the allure of quick money might be tempting, sometimes the “easy” path leads straight to a not-so-comfortable cell.
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