“We must use every tool possible to combat gun violence, which has a devastating impact on far too many lives in this country. In Manhattan, we are taking a comprehensive approach to getting guns off our streets, which has led to a double-digit reduction in shootings and homicides over the past two years” said District Attorney Bragg.
“As alleged, the takedown of a sophisticated ghost gun manufacturing operation uncovered wide-ranging schemes, including the link to a massive fraud and a planned burglary,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These alleged schemes were orchestrated and largely operated by city employees, many of whom abused their positions of public trust for personal gain. We see a clear link between those engaging in violent crimes and traditional white-collar fraud at the same time. My Office will continue leveraging the expertise and tools available at our disposal to dismantle these types of interconnected schemes, no matter how complex they are. I thank all of our prosecutors, analysts and investigators for their hard work and diligence in following the facts and uncovering this series of criminal activity.”
“Today Eleazer Edelstein was held accountable for manufacturing ghost guns in his Washington Heights apartment, threatening the safety of New Yorkers in addition to directly threatening the life of his former girlfriend. Ghost guns are a dangerous loophole in our laws, making it possible for people to create deadly firearms from the comfort of their homes,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Today’s guilty plea further indicates the need for the New York legislature to make the manufacturing of 3D-printed guns and gun parts illegal.”
“Today Cliffie Thompson was held accountable for contributing to the proliferation of ghost guns in Manhattan and New York City as a whole by operating an illegal ghost gun factory in his apartment,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The easy assembly of ghost guns means bad actors are able to evade New York’s strict gun laws in their own homes. As we work with our law enforcement partners to remain vigilant on enforcement, we renew our call to the New York legislature to make the manufacturing of 3D-printed guns and gun parts illegal. It’s time to close these loopholes and strengthen penalties.”
