Man Indicted For Selling Illegal Guns At Long Island Apartment: Nassau DA

LONG BEACH, NY — A Long Beach man was indicted for allegedly selling illegal guns, including assault weapons and a ghost gun, in broad daylight, in front of his apartment from April to July 2024. Two of the weapons have been traced to multiple shootings in Queens and Nassau County that occurred as early as 2021, prosecutors said.

James Jayshaun Edwards, 33, was arraigned on August 22, on charges that include criminal sale of a firearm, multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, multiple counts of criminal possession of a firearm and criminal sale of a controlled substance, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Edwards pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $500,000 cash, $750,000 bond, and $1.5 million partially secured bond.

“The defendant allegedly conducted a brazen illegal open-air weapons trafficking business just steps away from Long Beach Police Department Headquarters, packaging up high-powered weapons in duffle bags and diaper boxes and selling them in broad daylight in front of his home,” Donnelly said. "Our investigation determined that two of the guns were used in multiple shootings that injured four victims in Westbury and Long Beach dating back to 2021, which are currently being prosecuted by my office."

According to the charges, between April 2024 and July 2024, Edwards allegedly sold a total of 10 illegal firearms, including an assault pistol, an AR-15 style "ghost gun," and multiple pistols and loaded firearms in front of his home on Birch Court in Long Beach.

He also allegedly sold approximately 20 grams of cocaine to a buyer, Donnelly said.

"This indictment highlights ATF’s efforts to identify, investigate, and stop gun traffickers using crime gun intelligence. The unchecked flow of firearms is a direct contributor to gun violence in our streets," ATF NY Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller said. "Disrupting firearms trafficking schemes like this is a top priority for ATF.

Edwards is due back in court on September 20,. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years in prison.