Hawkeye Reporter

A 19-year-old man from Marion, Iowa, Gentile Kahungu, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing multiple machinegun conversion devices. The sentencing took place on July 18, 2025, following Kahungu's guilty plea on January 31, 2025.

Evidence presented at the hearing revealed that Kahungu had a total of 18 machinegun conversion devices. Two of these were connected to firearms. On June 25, 2024, some of these devices were found in his bedroom along with a Glock magazine and ammunition. When arrested later in Cedar Rapids, additional devices and a Glock firearm with a conversion device were discovered. This firearm was linked to shootings in Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids.

The sentence was delivered by Chief Judge C.J. Williams at the United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. Alongside the prison term, Kahungu will serve three years of supervised release post-incarceration. Federal sentences do not include parole.

Kahungu remains in custody awaiting transfer to a federal facility.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin prosecuted the case after investigations by several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local police departments.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, it focuses on building community trust and supporting violence prevention efforts.