A New York man has been hit with a hefty sentence of over a decade behind bars for running an illicit arms and meth operation, the feds said Wednesday. Jason Lebberes, 31, from Tuckahoe, was slapped with a 121-month prison stretch on Tuesday in a Boston federal court after pleading guilty in October to various charges including drug distribution and firearms offenses.
According to U.S. Department of Justice, Lebberes admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and transferring both a privately manufactured "ghost gun" and a firearm to an out-of-state resident, as well as a machine gun.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Joshua S. Levy remarked on the case’s outcome, "This defendant’s possession or sale of multiple machineguns including Glock switches and other machinegun conversion devices put deadly automatic weapons onto our streets, endangering countless people across Massachusetts." Levy added, "This stiff sentence sends the unmistakable message that if you traffic in deadly illegal firearms, you will be tracked down and held accountable."
Lebberes was busted after an investigation unearthed his role in peddling Glock switches, devices that illegally convert firearms into automatic weapons. A search of his home led to the seizure of several handguns, assault rifles and ammunition – some of which were "ghost guns," untraceable firearms assembled from parts. Feds also found a video of Lebberes discharging a handgun from his car window, further implicating him in reckless and criminal use of firearms.
Other agencies played a pivotal role in bringing Lebberes to justice. "Drugs and guns are a deadly combination," stated DEA New England Field Office's Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. He warned those involved in similar crimes that law enforcement would "aggressively pursue and hold you accountable."
The imposition of Lebberes's prison term reflects a stern warning from federal and local law enforcement against the dangers and illegalities of firearms and drug trafficking. Authorities remain committed to protecting communities and curbing the tide of violence aided by such criminal activity.
