In a significant move to curb gun violence in Manhattan, District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the indictment of Harlem resident Joseph Moore for illegal arms trafficking. According to a statement from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Moore, 48, is accused of selling firearms, including an assault weapon, to an undercover officer.
Selling a total of eight firearms over six months, Moore conducted his transactions on the streets of Harlem, nearly in front of his apartment building. Armed with a court-authorized search warrant, officers descended on his Harlem dwelling on October 28, discovering eight more firearms, six of which loaded, as stated by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Facing charges that include Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Moore's indictment follows a series of undercover operations stretches from April to October. During one encounter, on April 15, Moore handed over two firearms, one of which was an assault weapon, fetching more than $2,700, according to the report from the District Attorney's Office.
Further illustrating the gravity of these transactions, an incident on May 27, where Moore sold two defaced firearms for roughly $2,000, underscores the risk such exchanges pose to public safety. Along with the seized weapons, NYPD officials uncovered a 3D printer, capable of creating firearm modifications, detailed the indictment report.
Commissioner Tisch highlighted the diligent efforts of the NYPD in intercepting over 5,850 illegal guns this year while thanking their undercover officers for their bravery in operations such as Moore's case. Combined with the prosecution led by Assistant D.A. Kaitrin Roberts, the actions against Moore exhibit a stern stance against the illegal firearms trade in New York City, aiming to ensure a safer community for all.
