A Tate County man will spend several years behind bars for illegal possessing a machine gun.
Federal court documents indicate Mohammad Hussam Amro also known as Mohammad HG Amro, 34, of Sarah, was ordered Wednesday, June 11 to serve 71 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. Dist. Judge Sharion Aycock.
Amro, who previously pled guilty to possession of a machine gun, was remanded to the custody of U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
Tate County Jail records show Amro was arrested Jan. 23, 2024, by deputies from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of aggravated domestic violence. That report states numerous firearms and weapons including the machine gun were located at the defendant’s residence.
“The illegal possession of a machine gun is an offense that must be pursued by law enforcement, especially when it is found during a domestic violence incident,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi.
The Tate County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities had allegedly been called to the area about gunfire on several occasions.
In Mississippi, possessing a machine gun is legal as long as it is registered and possessed in accordance with federal law. However, there are specific restrictions and penalties related to machine gun conversion devices and certain machine gun transfers.
Federal Law:
- Federal law generally prohibits the possession of newly manufactured machine guns.
- It permits the transfer of machine guns legally owned before May 19, 1986, but requires approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
- A $200 tax stamp is required for each machine gun at the time of registration, and for any subsequent transfers.
Mississippi Law:
- Mississippi doesn't have specific state laws regulating machine guns beyond federal requirements.
- However, there are state laws regarding machine gun conversion devices (like "Glock switches").
- It is illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess machine gun conversion devices without proper authorization.
- Violations can result in a felony conviction, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000.
- Subsequent offenses can lead to a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $20,000, according to Justia Law.
Relevant information:
- A recent federal court ruling in Mississippi questioned the constitutionality of the federal machine gun ban, but this does not change the legality of possessing unregistered machine guns, according to The Trace.
- Felons in Mississippi are generally prohibited from possessing firearms, including machine guns, unless their rights have been restored.
- Possession of a machine gun with a prior felony conviction is also a felony.
