2 Arrested For Trafficking Illegal Guns To Nassau: NYAG

Three Pennsylvania residents were arrested and charged with trafficking guns from Pennsylvania and selling them in New York, including in Valley Stream, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today.

The three were charged with trafficking assault weapons, semiautomatic pistols, a "ghost gun" and several hundred rounds of ammunition.

“Even though New York has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, lax gun laws in our neighboring states jeopardize our safety,” said James. “Not only did these individuals illegally traffic highly dangerous firearms through the Iron Pipeline, but they did so in the presence of their children. New York has zero tolerance for activity that is both illegal and harmful and we will continue to go after any individual who tries to bring these weapons of death into our state.”

In a 45-count indictment in Nassau County Court, Tadarrell Jones and Shyrein Joseph were charged with second-degree criminal sale of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree conspiracy and other charges for their roles in the gun trafficking operation. According to James, the two sold multiple guns, including assault weapons, in New York City and in Valley Stream.

According to James, Jones and Joseph brought guns from Pennsylvania to New York and sold them to undercover police officers on five occasions between Sept. 27 and Nov. 1, 2016. James said that the investigation led to police and prosecutors recovering the following:

• .45 Caliber Springfield Armory Pistol
• .44 Caliber S&W Revolver Magnum
• .22 LR Caliber Semiautomatic Rifle ATI
• 62 x .39 Caliber Semiautomatic Rifle AK 47
• .223 Caliber S&W Semiautomatic Rifle
• .44 Caliber Ruger Magnum Revolver
• 744 rounds of ammunition

James said that Jones and Joseph also brought their young children to several of the illegal sales. Because of that, they are also each charged with several counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

If convicted, both Jones and Joseph could face up to 15 years in prison.

A third person, Reinaldo Rodriguez, was charged in Bronx County for illegally selling firearms there, James said.

James said that her office's investigation including physical and electronic surveillance, the use of confidential sources and undercover operations in the Bronx, Nassau and New York counties. During the investigation, each of the three frequently talked about their ability to buy guns outside of New York, James said.

Photos: Some of the illegal firearms that prosecutors say the recovered from Jones and Joseph. Courtesy New York Attorney General's Office.