Florida Gun Dealer Lawrence Destefano Indicted in Ghost Gun Ring

New York – In a groundbreaking move against gun trafficking, Attorney General Letitia James and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the 71-count indictment of Lawrence Destefano for illegally shipping firearms and ghost guns to New York. This investigation, spearheaded by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), has yielded substantial evidence.

Destefano, owner of Indie Guns in Orlando, Florida, faces a mountain of charges including firearm trafficking and illegal shipment of ghost gun kits and high-capacity magazines. Authorities recovered 12 firearms, two ghost gun kits, 28 high-capacity magazines, and over 1,400 rounds of ammunition mailed to Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County.

Attorney General James has a history of taking on illegal firearm operations; in June 2022, she sued Indie Guns for selling thousands of illegal firearm parts that were assembled into untraceable handguns and assault-style weapons. In March 2024, she secured a $7.8 million judgment against the company.

“Untraceable ghost guns are a direct threat to New Yorkers’ safety,” said Attorney General James. “We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity in our communities. Lawrence Destefano and his business have been targeted, and justice is being served.”

NYPD Commissioner Tisch echoed the sentiments: “This case underscores the dangers posed by untraceable ghost guns and the lengths traffickers go to avoid law enforcement. Our investigators have shut down this pipeline, and those responsible are being held accountable.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel emphasized the importance of the operation: “Ghost guns and other illegal firearms pose a significant threat to public safety. HSI New York is committed to stopping these illicit activities.”