Ghost Busted: Haverstraw man indicted for possesion of unregistered “ghost guns”

Gregory Lopez, 45 of Haverstraw, NY has been indicted by the county DA’s office  following an ongoing investigation into the sale and possession of  “ghost guns” in Rockland 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 unregistered  fire arms. The term “ghost gun” denotes the fact that these privately manufactured weapons, which do not have serial numbers, are difficult to trace, and thus ideal for use in criminal activity. 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 purchasing 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.

Gregory 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.

Office of the District Attorney County of Rockland.

“The purchasing and possession of illegal firearms is an offense that my office takes very seriously” said Distrcit Attorney Walsh. “This 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. “

  crime, guns, office of district attorney