Haverstraw Man Indicted After Ghost Gun Investigation
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today the indictment of George Lopez, 45 of Haverstraw, NY following an ongoing investigation into “ghost guns” in Rockland County. The defendant was charged under a new subsection of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree designed specifically to combat the sale of ghost guns. This is the first use of the law in New York State.
On April 27, 2022, a search warrant was executed at 64 Rosman Road in the Town of Haverstraw pursuant to an investigation into the mailing through USPS (United States Postal Service) of “ghost gun” parts.
After a thorough search of the residence, two loaded AR-15 rifles were recovered, neither of which had serial numbers on them. The search would also uncover a quantity of .223 and .308 caliber ammunition and loaded magazines, and multiple “ghost gun” parts. Six major components of uncompleted firearms were found in the apartment.
George Lopez was indicted by a Rockland County Grand Jury on the following charges:
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for possessing two loaded firearms
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree for possessing two firearms while having a prior criminal conviction
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree for possessing two assault weapons
• Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree for possessing major components of firearms (ghost gun parts) while being prohibited from owning them due to prior criminal conduct
District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “The purchasing and possession of illegal firearms is an offense that my office takes very seriously. Today’s indictment should send a strong message to anyone who is thinking about purchasing illegal firearms or parts.
I would like to thank the Homeland Security Investigations, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Task Force, Clarkstown Police Department, Haverstraw Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI for their assistance with this case. “
It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
