Dennis Wolfolk, Gun Trafficking, New York 2023

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. – Dennis Wolfolk, a convicted felon from Marietta, Georgia, is headed to federal prison for 57 months after being sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack for his role in a brazen gun trafficking scheme that funneled more than two dozen handguns into New York. Wolfolk, Grimy Times can reveal, wasn’t acting alone. The operation, dubbed the “Iron Pipeline” by investigators, saw weapons ending up at crime scenes, in the hands of juveniles, and even linked to a murder.

Federal prosecutors detailed how Wolfolk conspired with Patrick Polidore, who acted as a straw purchaser in the Atlanta metropolitan area between October and December 2020. Polidore systematically visited multiple federally licensed firearms retailers, racking up a staggering 27 handgun purchases in a matter of weeks. On multiple occasions, he’d buy several weapons in a single day, hitting four different shops on November 4th alone. Polidore falsely claimed on ATF Form 4473 that he was the true buyer, a blatant lie intended to conceal Wolfolk’s prohibited status as a convicted felon.

“This so-called gun trafficking ‘Iron Pipeline’ from Georgia to Long Island took a detour to a federal courtroom for Wolfolk, a convicted felon, who was punished today for his continuing disregard of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those like the defendant who attempt to circumvent state and federal gun laws and contribute to the presence of deadly guns in our community.” The scheme wasn’t about sport; it was about profit and fueling the criminal underworld of Long Island.

The ATF’s investigation, led by Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Kalogiros, uncovered a chilling pattern. At least 12 of the handguns Wolfolk smuggled into New York have been directly linked to crimes in and around Long Island. One weapon surfaced at a crime scene as early as November 4, 2020 – just days after Polidore’s initial purchases. “The interstate flow of illegal guns is a grave threat to public safety,” Kalogiros declared. “This sentencing sends a clear message to those who think they can traffic firearms into New York without consequence.”

Polidore, who pleaded guilty to making false statements to acquire firearms in September, is now awaiting his own sentencing. The collaborative effort that brought down this operation involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the ATF’s Atlanta Field Division, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County Police Department, and the Hempstead Police Department. The message is clear: crossing state lines to arm criminals won’t pay. The feds are watching.

This case underscores the ongoing battle against illegal gun trafficking, a persistent problem that continues to flood communities with weapons and contribute to escalating violence. As Peace stated, the goal is to disrupt these pipelines and hold accountable those who prioritize profit over public safety. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the fallout from this dangerous operation.

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