Beaufort, January 9, 2026
Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr., a 25-year-old from Ridgeland, was sentenced to six years in prison for possessing a modified Glock handgun with an illegal ‘switch’ device. His arrest followed a traffic stop where police found the weapon, which had been altered to fire automatically. Hargrove’s DNA was linked to the firearm, and he faces additional pending charges. This case highlights the dangers of such modifications and the strict federal and state laws against them.
Beaufort
Ridgeland Man Sentenced to Six Years for Machine Gun Possession After Traffic Stop
A Ridgeland man, Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr., 25, was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday in Beaufort County General Sessions Court after pleading guilty to possession of a machine gun. The sentencing follows his arrest exactly two years prior, in the early morning hours of January 8, 2024, when Beaufort police discovered a handgun modified with an illegal “switch” device during a routine traffic stop. The modification converted the semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Hargrove’s DNA was subsequently found on the firearm.
Details of the Arrest and Discovery
The incident that led to Hargrove’s conviction began when a Beaufort police officer observed a Nissan Altima with a defective brake light as it crossed the Woods Memorial Bridge onto Lady’s Island. The officer initiated a traffic stop on Sea Island Parkway near Whitehall Park. During the stop, the officer detected the odor of burnt marijuana, which provided probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle.
Beneath the front passenger seat, where Hargrove was riding, officers located a Glock 31 handgun. This firearm was equipped with a small, illicit modification commonly referred to as a “switch.” Forensic testing later confirmed Hargrove’s DNA on the weapon. The driver of the Nissan, Keianna Nichole Staple, 22, of Hilton Head Island, also faces a pending charge of driving under suspension as a result of the traffic stop.
Understanding “Switch” Devices and Their Dangers
The device found on the Glock handgun is known as a “switch” or “auto sear.” These small, inexpensive modifications, often no larger than a U.S. quarter or a coin, are designed to convert standard semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms. With a “switch” installed, a handgun can fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, effectively turning it into a machine gun. These devices can be easily 3D printed or purchased online for as little as $20.
The proliferation of these devices poses significant public safety risks. Modified firearms become extremely difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of unintentional harm and collateral damage in shooting incidents. Experts note that such weapons can fire up to 20 bullets in one second or as many as 1,200 rounds in a minute, matching or exceeding the rate of fire of many military machine guns. Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly concerned about their use in criminal activities due to the enhanced firepower they provide.
Legal Ramifications of Machine Gun Possession
Under federal law, any firearm equipped with a “switch” device is classified as a machine gun. Furthermore, the “switch” device itself, even if not attached to a firearm, is legally considered a machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act. Possession or distribution of these devices without proper authorization is strictly illegal.
Individuals found in possession of such devices face severe legal penalties. Nationwide, a conviction can lead to 5 to 10 years in prison, substantial fines, and the permanent loss of firearm ownership rights. Law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have observed a significant surge in the recovery of these illegally modified weapons. From 2017 to 2021, the ATF reported a 570% increase nationwide in seized machine gun conversion devices.
In South Carolina, state law also prohibits the unlawful storing, keeping, or possessing of a machine gun. The state’s definition of a machine gun is broader than the federal definition, explicitly including any part or combination of parts designed or intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, regardless of whether it was “solely and exclusively” designed for that purpose. Local authorities in Beaufort County have also highlighted a noticeable increase in machine gun arrests, underscoring the growing challenge these illegal modifications present to public safety.
While Hargrove has no prior criminal convictions on his record related to this case, he does have several pending charges stemming from unrelated incidents, which include attempted murder, possession of a stolen firearm, and discharging firearms into a dwelling. His six-year sentence for machine gun possession emphasizes the serious consequences of possessing these dangerous and illegal firearm modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who was sentenced in Beaufort for machine gun possession?
- Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr., 25, of Ridgeland, South Carolina, was sentenced to six years in prison.
- What was Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr. convicted of?
- He pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun.
- When was Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr. sentenced?
- He was sentenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
- When was Emmanuelle Hargrove Jr. arrested?
- He was arrested exactly two years prior to his sentencing, in the early morning hours of January 8, 2024.
- Where did the arrest take place?
- The arrest occurred in the Beaufort area, on Lady’s Island, after a traffic stop initiated by a Beaufort police officer.
- What kind of weapon was found?
- A Glock 31 handgun, modified with an illegal “switch” device, was found.
- What is a “switch” device?
- A “switch” device is a small modification, about the size of a U.S. quarter, that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
- Are “switch” devices legal?
- No, once a “switch” is installed, the firearm is classified as a machine gun under federal law, and the device itself is also considered a machine gun. Possession or distribution is illegal.
- What are the penalties for possessing a “switch” device or modified machine gun?
- Nationwide, individuals can face 5 to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
- What is the legal situation regarding machine guns in South Carolina?
- South Carolina law prohibits the unlawful storing, keeping, or possessing of a machine gun and defines a machine gun to include any part or combination of parts designed or intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun.
Key Features of “Switch” Devices and Their Legal Status
| Feature | Description | Scope of Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon. | Nationwide |
| Appearance | Small device, often about the size of a U.S. quarter or coin. | Nationwide |
| Acquisition | Can be 3D printed or purchased online, sometimes for as little as $20. | Nationwide |
| Rate of Fire | Can fire up to 20 bullets in one second or 1,200 rounds in one minute. | Nationwide |
| Federal Legal Status | Classified as a machine gun under federal law, even the device itself. | Nationwide |
| Federal Penalties | Possession can result in 5 to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. | Nationwide |
| South Carolina Legal Status | Unlawful to store, keep, or possess; state law has a broader definition of machine gun. | State-level |
| Public Safety Risk | Increases firepower, difficulty of control, and likelihood of collateral damage. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
