An FDNY Firefighter Faces Felony Charges For Bringing Ghost Gun Parts Into New York City

A firefighter with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) was on February 13, 2022, arrested after allegedly purchasing large-capacity ammunition, “ghost gun” parts, and an assault weapon at a gun show in Philadelphia and bringing them into New York City. According to news sources, the 49-year-old firefighter who is posted to the FDNY’s elite Rescue 4 in Queens was arrested in Queens and charged with various counts of weapons possession.

According to a complaint that the Queens District Attorney’s Office filed, a surveillance team made up of members of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police followed the FDNY firefighter to the “Oaks Extravaganza” gun show at the Expo Center, in the greater Philadelphia, on February 13, 2022. There, the surveillance team watched as the firefighter allegedly paid cash for two “Polymer80 firearm receivers,” which are untraceable parts that can be used to make ghost guns. On top of buying the “Polymer80 firearm receivers,” the firefighter allegedly also purchased two “high-capacity magazines” and a Sipahi semiautomatic 12-gauge assault shotgun from other booths.

According to the criminal complaint, the FDNY firefighter then got into his vehicle after making the purchases and began driving back to New York City. He was pulled over in Howard Beach by the New York State Police and arrested. According to the Queens DA’s office, the weapons and parts purchased at the gun show, together with brass knuckles, were found in the firefighter’s vehicle and seized.

According to news sources, the FDNY firefighter who does not have a firearms license denied being in possession of any other weapons. He was released without bail after his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court.

The firefighter, who made more than $150,000 with overtime in 2021, was suspended by the FDNY without pay for 28 days.

Crackdown on Illegal Guns

The state of New York is getting more and more serious about cracking down on illegal guns. According to Governor Hochul, the state of New York has a moral obligation to do everything possible to fight the scourge of illegal guns on the streets. This is why the Governor’s FY 2023 Executive Budget invests in public safety and efforts to curb the devastating effects of gun violence. In January 2022, the Governor proposed almost $9 million in funding for the New York State Police to hire gun crime tracing analysts, new recruits, computer crime analysts, and social media analysts. Additionally, the Governor pledged almost $4 million to invest in equipment and software for a computer and cyber-crimes unit with the New York State Police. According to the Governor, too many people have already lost their lives because of illegal firearms, and people shouldn’t continue dying because of illegal guns.

Are You Facing Gun Possession Charges? Here’s What You Should Do?

If you are being charged with illegal possession of a gun, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Even if you are being falsely accused, you should talk to an attorney who can help you prove your innocence.

Contact an NYC Weapons Charge Attorney

The skilled and dedicated NYC weapons charge attorney, Mark I. Cohen, is available to help you if you are being charged with illegal possession of a gun. Call 917-414-8585 today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

Resource:

nypost.com/2022/02/19/fdny-firefighter-busted-with-in-gun-trafficking-sting/