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In a significant blow to gun violence in Queens, five defendants – Rohnique Posey, Karsem Allen, Carolyn Hicks-Torres, Henry McCummings, and Dominic Smith – pleaded guilty to gun trafficking charges in Brooklyn federal court. The defendants, who sought to flood Queens neighborhoods with illegal weapons, including semi-automatic and defaced firearms, and ghost guns, face up to 15 years in prison. The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
According to the charges, Posey pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking conspiracy and distribution of cocaine base, while his co-defendants pleaded guilty to engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. Allen and Hicks-Torres also pleaded guilty to possession of machine guns, and McCummings pleaded guilty to possession of a defaced firearm. The defendants’ actions threatened the safety of their communities and fueled violence in Queens.
The investigation and prosecution of the defendants were the result of a collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and NYPD. The guilty pleas demonstrate the commitment of these agencies to combating gun violence and protecting the people of New York City.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella stated that the guilty pleas hold the defendants accountable for their actions and mark a significant step towards safer communities. Every illegal firearm taken off the streets is a step towards reducing gun violence and protecting innocent lives.
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