Tag:

Illegal firearms

Carroll County Drug Ring Busted; Westminster Pair Jailed After SWAT Raids, Sheriff Says Carroll County Drug Ring Busted; Westminster Pair Jailed After SWAT Raids, Sheriff Says
Carroll County Drug Ring Busted; Westminster Pair Jailed After SWAT Raids, Sheriff Says Two alleged drug traffickers are behind bars in Carroll County after a major multi-agency bust that spanned six months and involved SWAT teams, the DEA, and local police from three counties, authorities announced. Antonio Alfonso Liason, 38, and Jessica Brooke Smith, 47, both of Westminster, were arrested this week, during a sweeping takedown involving search warrants across Carroll County and Baltimore, according to the sheriff's office. “These search warrants were a result of a joint investigation spanning approximately six months, targeting the distribution of large quantities of illicit…
Guns, Xanax: Lacey Township Teen Busted After Fleeing Cops, Prosecutor Says Guns, Xanax: Lacey Township Teen Busted After Fleeing Cops, Prosecutor Says
Guns, Xanax: Lacey Township Teen Busted After Fleeing Cops, Prosecutor Says A 19-year-old Lacey Township man was arrested and charged on Thursday, May 15 for dealing Xanax and possessing illegal firearms, authorities said. Detectives began surveilling Aidan Marshall following an investigation into illegal firearms possession and narcotics distribution, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. As detectives attempted to make contact with Marshall, he fled on foot into a wooded area, Billhimer said. He was later found hiding underneath brush in a wooded area and was taken into custody, Billhimer said. Marshall attempted to discard a bag, which contained a gho…
Rap Videos Bragged Of Teen Shootings, Robberies: 22 Mak Balla Gang Members Indicted Rap Videos Bragged Of Teen Shootings, Robberies: 22 Mak Balla Gang Members Indicted
Rap Videos Bragged Of Teen Shootings, Robberies: 22 Mak Balla Gang Members Indicted Gang members filmed rap videos bragging about real violence—including 17 shootings, 22 illegal firearms, and over 40 narcotics deals—leading to a 168-count indictment of 22 alleged Mak Balla Family members, Suffolk County prosecutors announced Thursday, May 1. 'MBF 'Til The Death' The MBF is a subset of the New York Blood Brim Army and operates primarily in the Long Island communities of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley, and Coram. Prosecutors say its members took oaths, followed written gang “paperwork,” and pledged loyalty “MBF ‘til the death,” all while waging violent campaigns to gain terri…
Newark Officer Killed, Teen Charged In Double Shooting: Officials Newark Officer Killed, Teen Charged In Double Shooting: Officials
Newark Officer Killed, Teen Charged In Double Shooting: Officials Authorities have charged a 14-year-old male and detained five others in connection with the shootings of Newark police officers that left Joseph Azcona dead and another officer critical, officials said. Azcona, 26, a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, was killed in the line of duty during a shooting on Friday evening, March 7, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. Another officer remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. His name has not been released. A spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that two officers w…
Armed Robber-Turned Fugitive Who Held Victim At Gunpoint In Newburgh Gets More Jail Time Armed Robber-Turned Fugitive Who Held Victim At Gunpoint In Newburgh Gets More Jail Time
Armed Robber-Turned Fugitive Who Held Victim At Gunpoint In Newburgh Gets More Jail Time A 23-year-old man already serving a long prison term for an Orange County armed robbery and weapons charges will now spend even more time behind bars, prosecutors announced.  On Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, Ziquan Garfield Jenkins, age 23, of Newburgh, was sentenced in Orange County Court to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced. Jenkins had already been sentenced in October 2024 to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to firs…
Silver Spring Man Busted With 2,000+ Fentanyl Pills In Maryland Maryland Learns Prison Fate Silver Spring Man Busted With 2,000+ Fentanyl Pills In Maryland Maryland Learns Prison Fate
Silver Spring Man Busted With 2,000+ Fentanyl Pills In Maryland Maryland Learns Prison Fate A Maryland man caught with thousands of fentanyl pills and an illegal firearm will be spending more than a decade behind bars, officials announced. Markus Carter, 22, of Silver Spring, was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with all but 12 years suspended, after pleading guilty to several drug and firearm charges, according to Montgomery County prosecutors.  Carter was arrested after investigators found more than 2,000 fentanyl pills in his possession along with an illegal firearm.  His downfall began at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, when officers conducted…
Orange County Raid Nets AR-15, Sawed-Off Shotgun, 1 Arrest: Police Orange County Raid Nets AR-15, Sawed-Off Shotgun, 1 Arrest: Police
Orange County Raid Nets AR-15, Sawed-Off Shotgun, 1 Arrest: Police An Orange County man is facing felony charges after police seized multiple illegal firearms, including an AR-15 with a defaced serial number, during a raid in the town of Deerpark, authorities announced. The City of Port Jervis Police Department, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, arrested Brian Negrette, age 40, of Huguenot, a hamlet of Deerpark, on Thursday, Jan. 2, on charges of criminal possession of a weapon. He is being held pending arraignment. According to Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden, the arrest followed an investigation that led to executing a sear…
Suspected DUI Stop Leads To Gun, Drugs Seizure: Bensalem Police Suspected DUI Stop Leads To Gun, Drugs Seizure: Bensalem Police
Suspected DUI Stop Leads To Gun, Drugs Seizure: Bensalem Police A Philadelphia man is accused of driving under the influence, carrying a firearm without a license, and possessing marijuana with intent to deliver after a traffic stop in Bensalem, police announced on Monday, Dec. 9. Khalil Laney, 34, of Bonsall Street, was pulled over at 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, near Knights Road and Dunksferry Road after officers noticed his black Nissan Rogue had inoperable rear lights, failed to signal a turn, and crossed the shoulder multiple times, authorities said. During the stop, officers smelled alcohol on Laney and observed a concealed carry permit among his pap…
Man Gets 7 Years For Trafficking Illegal Firearms In Freeport Man Gets 7 Years For Trafficking Illegal Firearms In Freeport
Man Gets 7 Years For Trafficking Illegal Firearms In Freeport Years in prison await a man who confessed to selling illegal firearms on Long Island. Kim Lilly, age 45, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years behind bars in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Nov. 20, after copping to criminal sale of a firearm and related charges. Prosecutors said Lilly sold 11 illegal firearms in Freeport, including an assault rifle and assault pistol, between August 2023 and January 2024. All but one were loaded and sold with accompanying ammunition. He also admitted to selling several high-capacity magazines. Lilly, who resided in Freeport befor…
Poughkeepsie Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say Poughkeepsie Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say
Poughkeepsie Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say An alleged Hudson Valley drug dealer was busted by a drug task force following an investigation, and making "buys."  Dutchess County resident Haitham A. Dasan, age 48, of Poughkeepsie was picked up by the District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force on Thursday, Nov. 1 in an of Poughkeepse known as the "South Side." According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris with the task force, agents have been investigating the sale of narcotics and other drugs in the area, specifically the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine (crystal meth).  Drug Task Force Agents identified the dea…
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop In Bloomingburg 5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop In Bloomingburg
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop In Bloomingburg Five people were nabbed on alleged weapons-related charges during a traffic stop in the region. The incident occurred in Sullivan County at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, on Route 17K in the town of Bloomingburg.  Trooper Steven Nevel said troopers noticed a 2017 GMC Yukon traveling westbound on 17K, violating numerous vehicle and traffic laws. Troopers, with the assistance of the Wallkill Police Department in Orange County, made a traffic stop and identified the driver as Capital Region resident Albert Blowers, age 48, of Rensselaer, Nevel said.  While interviewing Blowers, troop…
Waterbury Man Critical After Shooting, Suspect Nabbed Waterbury Man Critical After Shooting, Suspect Nabbed
Waterbury Man Critical After Shooting, Suspect Nabbed A 24-year-old Connecticut man is in critical condition after being shot by another man outside of a club following a fight. The incident occurred in New Haven County around 1:10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, on West Main Street outside the Stanley Billar Club in Waterbury.  According to Waterbury Police Lt. Ryan Bessette, officers responded to the area after getting word of shots fired and then additional reports from Saint Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room that a gunshot victim had been dropped off.  Officers identified the victim as a 24-year-old male from Waterbury. Bessette said tha…
Gun Trafficking Group Operated In Pottstown, Boyertown: Prosecutors Gun Trafficking Group Operated In Pottstown, Boyertown: Prosecutors
Gun Trafficking Group Operated In Pottstown, Boyertown: Prosecutors Nine members of a suspected gun trafficking organization are in police custody, said the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in a release on Tuesday, July 30.  The group, which operated out of its alleged members' homes and storage units in Pottstown and Boyertown, "specialized in the acquisition and distribution of illegal firearms," prosecutors said.  The investigation began in February, when suspected member James Hiller showed up at Pottstown Hospital with a stab wound, according to authorities. He told investigators he was stabbed in an argument over mariju…
Hudson Valley Man, Woman Nabbed With Illegal Firearms, Parts: DA Hudson Valley Man, Woman Nabbed With Illegal Firearms, Parts: DA
Hudson Valley Man, Woman Nabbed With Illegal Firearms, Parts: DA A Hudson Valley man and woman are behind bars following an investigation into illegal firearms in the region. Rockland County residents Tao Zhang, age 35, and Vivian Wu, age 35, both of Nanuet, were charged on Tuesday, July 2, following an ongoing investigation into illegal firearms in the county. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh said the investigation began in May after his office received information regarding an illegal firearm component being shipped to Nanuet. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit Detectives, who are cross-s…
FBI Takes Down Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Ring: 17 Arrested, 43 Pounds Of Drugs Seized: AG FBI Takes Down Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Ring: 17 Arrested, 43 Pounds Of Drugs Seized: AG
FBI Takes Down Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Ring: 17 Arrested, 43 Pounds Of Drugs Seized: AG A months-long investigation involving the FBI led to the arrest of 17 drug traffickers in the Philadelphia area and the seizure of illegal guns, drugs, and cash. Vincent Lofton, 60, one of the alleged heads of the trafficking network, was arrested, along with 16 other people at various locations after search warrants were executed Tuesday, April 9, Attorney General Michelle Henry, said. He was arraigned Wednesday and bail was set at $1 million. Investigators served more than a dozen search warrants at homes and on vehicles vehicles, and a financial institution. Others arrested include…
Trio Gets Years In Prison For Selling Over 30 Ghost Guns To Undercover Agents In Yonkers Trio Gets Years In Prison For Selling Over 30 Ghost Guns To Undercover Agents In Yonkers
Trio Gets Years In Prison For Selling Over 30 Ghost Guns To Undercover Agents In Yonkers Three people will spend a combined three decades in prison after trafficking illegal ghost guns into Westchester and selling them to undercover agents, officials announced.  The three defendants were all sentenced to a combined 31 years in prison after selling over 30 ghost guns in Yonkers after trafficking them from Washington, DC in 2022, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, March 22.  According to the DA's Office, between April 28 and June 24, 2022, the trio transported the illegal firearms from Washington, DC to Yonkers and sold 31 unserialize…
CT Vehicle Stop Leads To Ghost Gun Arrest CT Vehicle Stop Leads To Ghost Gun Arrest
CT Vehicle Stop Leads To Ghost Gun Arrest A 22-year-old Connecticut man was allegedly nabbed with a loaded ghost gun after being stopped for speeding.  New Haven resident Juan Garcia, was charged around 2:15 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 18 on South Main Street in Naugatuck. During the stop, Naugatuck Police Officers said Garcia appeared to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs and was charged with DUI after failing sobriety tests, police said. Police recovered a firearm with no serial number on it, which appeared consistent with being illegally manufactured, officers said. The firearm was loaded with a high-capacity magazin…
Intoxicated DC Man Shooting At U-Haul Truck In VA Apprehended Following Search, Police Say Intoxicated DC Man Shooting At U-Haul Truck In VA Apprehended Following Search, Police Say
Intoxicated DC Man Shooting At U-Haul Truck In VA Apprehended Following Search, Police Say A man no stranger to law enforcement is back behind bars following a strange scene that played out on Tuesday night in Prince William County. District resident Vinzel Pierce Brown, 30, put on a show for police before being apprehended after firing shots at an unoccupied U-Haul vehicle that was parked in the 8000 block of Sudley Road in Manassas, officials say. At approximately 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 20, officers from the Prince William County Police Department responded to the report of shots fired, where they found Brown firing at the truck, at which point he attempted to flee - allegedly while…
Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police
Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police A father and son face a mountain of felonies after police found an illegal gun, more than 100 grams of cocaine, and several other drugs inside their Worcester County home, authorities said. Michael Pitler, age 45, and Zachary Pitler, age 21, both of Blackstone, were arrested on Friday, Feb. 16, after police and federal agents raided their home in the area of Michelle Lane, officials said.  “Through these arrests we have removed a significant amount of narcotics from our community,” Blackstone Police Chief Gregory Gilmore said. “Our department takes our commitment to narcotics…
Target Shoplifter Busted With Illegal Loaded Gun, Hollow-Point Bullets In Morris County: Police Target Shoplifter Busted With Illegal Loaded Gun, Hollow-Point Bullets In Morris County: Police
Target Shoplifter Busted With Illegal Loaded Gun, Hollow-Point Bullets In Morris County: Police This was probably not the trip to Target they were looking for. A man from Florida was arrested in Washington Township for having illegal firearms after he and another man were initially busted for shoplifting from Target on Saturday, Feb. 3, police said on Facebook. Upon arriving at Target, police encountered two men, age 37 and 40, respectively, from Miami Gardens, officers said. After taking the subjects into custody, one man was found to be carrying a loaded illegal handgun, police said.  Detectives assisted with the investigation and found the man also possessed an assault weapon…
Police Seize 66K Fentanyl Pills, Pot, Mushrooms During Massive Drug Bust In Virginia Police Seize 66K Fentanyl Pills, Pot, Mushrooms During Massive Drug Bust In Virginia
Police Seize 66K Fentanyl Pills, Pot, Mushrooms During Massive Drug Bust In Virginia Tens of thousands of fentanyl pills have been taken off the street after a massive bust was reported in Prince William County, according to authorities. The Manassas Police Department announced on Thursday that a multi-agency investigation led to the seizure of drugs, weapons, and other contraband.  On Tuesday, Jan. 30, a search warrant was executed in Manassas that led to the arrest of four people found to be in possession of what police described as "a substantial amount of illegal narcotics and firearms."  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement personnel seize…
'A Life Could Have Been Saved': Ludlow Man Out On Bail Now Accused Of Murder 'A Life Could Have Been Saved': Ludlow Man Out On Bail Now Accused Of Murder
'A Life Could Have Been Saved': Ludlow Man Out On Bail Now Accused Of Murder A 28-year-old Hampden County man with an extensive criminal history and was out on bail for two gun-related charges has been accused of gunning down a Springfield man, police said.  Ethan Fitzgerald, of Ludlow, is charged with murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and discharging a gun within 500 Feet of a building, Springfield police said.  Authorities arrested Fitzgerald on Thursday, Jan. 25, around 10 a.m. during a sting involving multiple police agencies when they stopped him near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue an…
Illegal Firearms, Magazines Found In Response To Domestic Incident In Blairstown: Prosecutor Illegal Firearms, Magazines Found In Response To Domestic Incident In Blairstown: Prosecutor
Illegal Firearms, Magazines Found In Response To Domestic Incident In Blairstown: Prosecutor A 53-year-old Blairstown man was arrested and hit with numerous weapons charges after police discovered numerous illegal firearms in his residence, authorities said. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Blairstown police responded to a domestic violence incident at 99 Mohican Road, Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer said. William Pollard was charged with domestic violence and a temporary restraining order was issued, Pfeiffer said. To comply with the restraining order, police removed numerous weapons from Pollard's residence including illegal firearms, jigs for modifying firearms, extended magazines a…
Stamford Convicted Felon Charged With Having Assault-Style Guns Stamford Convicted Felon Charged With Having Assault-Style Guns
Stamford Convicted Felon Charged With Having Assault-Style Guns A Fairfield County man was busted for allegedly having several guns, including an assault rifle and semi-automatic pistol. Anthony Hicks, age 42, of Stamford, was arrested on Friday, Jan. 18 following an investigation by the Stamford Police Department's Narcotics and Organized Crime unit. According to Assistant Chief Rich Conklin, during the investigation, agents learned that Hicks, who is a convicted felon, was storing multiple firearms, including a Draco-stye assault rifle in his apartment. On Wednesday, Jan. 3, the unit seized the assault rifle containing nine 9mm rounds and a high-capa…
Tip Helps Nab 25-Year-Old With Illegal Gun, Drugs, Over $20K In Capital Region, Police Say Tip Helps Nab 25-Year-Old With Illegal Gun, Drugs, Over $20K In Capital Region, Police Say
Tip Helps Nab 25-Year-Old With Illegal Gun, Drugs, Over $20K In Capital Region, Police Say A man from the region is facing drug and weapons charges thanks to an anonymous tip to police. In Rensselaer County, Richawn McClain, age 25, of Troy, was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 9. Troy Police officers were called to the area of River and Rensselaer streets after someone submitted an anonymous tip on the agency’s website reporting suspicious activity. During their investigation, detectives identified McClain as the suspect. A surveillance team spotted him a short time later and arrested him without incident. McClain was found with oxycodone pills and an illegal handgun loaded with 13 roun…
Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison
Prominent Anti-Gun Director From Westchester Sentenced To Prison A prominent Hudson Valley anti-gun leader has been sentenced to prison for drug trafficking in the region. Westchester County resident Michael Rodrigues, age 49, of Yonkers, was sentenced Thursday, Jan. 4, in Orange County Court to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pled guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  Rodriguez is the director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), which is a prominent anti-violence program that receives government mon…
Hudson Valley Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say Hudson Valley Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say
Hudson Valley Drug-Dealing Duo Nabbed During Search, Police Say Two alleged drug dealers off the streets following a bust by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force in collaboration with local police. The incident -- which took two illegal handguns and narcotics off the streets --  took place in Dutchess County on Thursday, Jan. 4 on Wagon Wheel Road in the town of Hyde Park, said Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force. Harris said the warrant search was the result of an ongoing investigation by the task force into local drug sales. Arrested during the search included Terrance A. Warren, age 30, and Bryant N. Rojas-Hill, age 31, both from the town of…
Fool Me Twice: Man Busted AGAIN On Gun, Drug Charges In Less Than Month In Springfield Fool Me Twice: Man Busted AGAIN On Gun, Drug Charges In Less Than Month In Springfield
Fool Me Twice: Man Busted Again On Gun, Drug Charges In Less Than Month In Springfield Some people just don't learn the first time. Sometimes, it takes an extra lesson for it to stick. That's the hope for one Springfield teenager who's been busted twice in a month on the same charge.  Giovanni Ramirez, of Springfield, was first arrested on Dec. 7 with two other suspects, then he was cuffed again on Dec. 30 while out on bail, Springfield police said.  Both times, police found him with an illegal firearm, authorities said.  The most recent arrest happened in the 600 block of Belmont Ave. just before 5 p.m. when police pulled over his truck and found the loaded p…
Ex-Jet Muhammad Wilkerson Busted For DWI, Gun Loaded With Hollow Points In North Jersey Stop Ex-Jet Muhammad Wilkerson Busted For DWI, Gun Loaded With Hollow Points In North Jersey Stop
Ex-Jet Muhammad Wilkerson Busted For DWI, Gun Loaded With Hollow Points In North Jersey Stop Former New York Jets pass rusher Muhammad Wilkerson was busted for driving drunk in North Jersey again, only this time with a loaded gun under his seat, according to a published report. Wilkerson told police who stopped him in an unidentified Morris County town shortly after 6:30 a.m. Dec. 22 that he was coming from a club in New York City, TMZ. reported. Police said the retired defensive end smelled strongly of alcohol and was arrested after failing a field sobriety test, according to documents filed in Superior Court in Morristown. Wilkerson, a 34-year-old Linden native, reportedly claim…
Springfield Police Officer Busted On Drugs, Gun Charges Springfield Police Officer Busted On Drugs, Gun Charges
Springfield Police Officer Busted On Drugs, Gun Charges A Springfield police officer was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 13, after an early morning raid on a home in the city, authorities said.  Miranda Caldwell, 26, who has been with the department since 2021, was charged with several felonies following the bust, Springfield police said. Anthony Tavernier, 24, was also arrested.  Officers raided the home in the 300 block of Nottingham St. just before 7 a.m. and seized an illegal firearm, 10 bags of heroin, 10 grams of cocaine, and 100 grams of marijuana, police said.  Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood plan…
Driver Crashes Into Patrol Cars During Springfield Traffic Stop; Trio Busted Driver Crashes Into Patrol Cars During Springfield Traffic Stop; Trio Busted
Driver Crashes Into Patrol Cars During Springfield Traffic Stop; Trio Busted A traffic stop in search of illegal guns took a turn when the driver nearly ran over several Springfield police detectives and crashed into multiple patrol cars repeatedly.  Evan Parks, Giovanni Ramirez-Savard, and Kadell Hollins, all of Springfield, were arrested on Thursday, Dec. 7, and face multiple felonies, Springfield police announced Tuesday.  Detectives received a tip that Ramirez-Savard was illegally carrying a handgun and pulled over the car he was riding in on Burlington Street around 10 p.m. Thursday, police said.  After officers pulled him from th…