Sting Breaks Up Gun Trafficking 'Iron Pipeline' Into NY: YPD

YONKERS, NY — A federal, state and local investigation ended what law enforcement are calling an "Iron Pipeline" bringing illegal weapons into the Hudson Valley.

A series of arrests in the multi-agency investigation into illegal firearms trafficking was announced on Thursday by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah and DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III.

Earlier in 2022, the Yonkers Police Department Narcotics Unit initiated a joint investigation with members of DEA Group D-43, the New York City Police Department, New York State Police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office into the illegal interstate trafficking of firearms to Yonkers. The investigation focused on the trafficking of "ghost guns," which are partially furnished, non-serialized and untraceable firearms that can be easily assembled to become fully functioning firearms at home with parts that can be bought online and through various retailers.

Offcials say these “ghost guns” are designed to avoid gun laws and regulations.

On June 24, Yonkers detectives arrested Jose Gregory Olivio-Feliz, 27, of Yonkers, Pedro Junior Olivio-Feliz, 21, of Yonkers and Idanis Lora-Espinal, 30, of Washington, D.C., in connection with the investigation. According to police, during those arrests, Netaly A. Pena-Camilo, 25, of Washington, D.C., fled from arresting officers but was later located on June 29 by members of the investigative team, with the assistance of the FBI, DEA Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

All four defendants have been arraigned in Yonkers City Court and are currently being held without bail.

The joint investigation resulted in the seizure of two conventional firearms and 31 “ghost guns” that investigators believe were purchased and assembled in Washington, D.C., before being transported to Yonkers for sale.

The investigation shut down an alleged “Iron Pipeline” of illegal firearms from Washington, D.C. to Yonkers, according to officials.

"This investigation shows the amazing work that can be accomplished when highly-skilled investigators collaborate toward the ultimate goal of public safety," Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza said announcing the arrests. "Because of the efforts of these Detectives and their supervisors, more than 30 guns have been removed from the streets of Yonkers and its surrounding communities."

Officials said a total of 31 ghost guns and two conventional firearms were sold on five separate occasions between April 28 and June 24. On five occasions, Jose Gregorio Olivo-Felliz was in possession of and sold a total of 31 ghost guns and two conventional firearms in the City of Yonkers, police said. On two occasions, Pedro Junior Oliv Feliz is accused of being in possession of and selling a total of 10 ghost guns in Yonkers. On two occasions, Pena-Camilo was in possession of and sold a total of 26 ghost guns in Yonkers and on June 24, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Lora-Espinal was in possession of 19 ghost guns in Yonkers, according to police.

"New Yorkers should feel a little safer this holiday weekend after this gun trafficking network operating from DC to NY has been shut down," DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said. "DEA’s strategic and targeted enforcement is focused on removing major drug threats and associated violence stemming from gun and drug trafficking networks. I applaud the diligent and courageous work by our law enforcement partners in New York and Washington DC area throughout this investigation and arrests."

Pena-Camilo was charged with criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Jose Gregorio Olivo-Feliz was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, one count of criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree, three counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Pedro Junior Olivo-Feliz was charged with criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree, criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Lora-Espinal was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree.

"The proliferation of illegal firearms, like ghost guns, flowing into New York from out of state is a grave threat to the safety of our communities," Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said. "I’m grateful to the Yonkers Police Department and the numerous state, local, and federal partners who pursued this investigation and who work with us every day to rid our streets of illegal guns. As promised, I will use the full force of my office to prosecute gun crimes and gun traffickers.”

All suspects are currently in custody and awaiting upcoming court appearances. The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.