According to statistics, gun violence is finally decreasing in Brooklyn as 2022 winds down, but authorities are concerned that this hopeful statistic won’t stay this way for long. One main reason why they believe this is because they’ve recognized a new pattern of Southerners coming up north to sell illegal firearms to various individuals in New York.

One such individual, 44-year-old Kyler Booker, was arrested early in November after reportedly attempting to sell illegal weapons from Little Rock, Arkansas to individuals in Brooklyn and New York on Facebook. He attempted to sell over 137 weapons, but only 13 were recovered by police.

Back in September, another suspect, 27-year-old Dwayne Pickett, was arrested for unlawfully trafficking firearms from North Carolina to New York. What’s even more disturbing is that Pickett was a felon at the time of his arrest, which means he should’ve never had possession of any of those firearms to begin with.

Pickett was reportedly traveling from his home state to New York, where he sold over $11,000 worth of weapons. Eight of the handguns he sold were allegedly stolen from a totally different firearms dealer who operates in North Carolina. Later that same month, Pickett attempted to make a second trip to New York to sell more guns, and that’s where he was arrested.

The District Attorney in Brooklyn, Eric Gonzalez, calls this process the “Iron Pipeline,” where guns from the South are brought up to the North, and it’s been a common issue throughout history.

Illegal Gun Sales in NYC

Selling firearms illegally in New York is no small matter. Per New York statutes, illegal weapons sales are considered a felony offense. If you get charged with the criminal sale of a firearm, then you could face up to 15 years in prison.

Your charges could potentially get upgraded to a Class B felony depending on the number of firearms sold, though, which could result in up to 25 years in prison.

You could wind up getting hit with a crime even if you didn’t intend to break the law. For instance, in New York if you desire to dispose of a lawfully owned weapon, there are specific steps you must take. If you fail to provide written notice to a New York authority, then you could get charged with a misdemeanor!

Are You Facing Firearm-Related Charges in NY?

Have you recently been charged with firearm-related charges in New York? If you were allegedly trafficking firearms, then it’s important to know that Brooklyn is cracking down hard on those criminal offenses right now. You don’t want to become an example for others, so make sure you hire appropriate legal representation if you find yourself in this type of situation.

Here at Bukh Law Firm, we understand the value of your freedom, and we’re ready to fight for you. If you’re facing firearm-related charges in New York City or a nearby area, then we can help. Contact our office now to speak one-on-one with one of our best criminal defense attorneys.