BOSTON, MA – A 31-year-old New York man has confessed to running a dangerous operation peddling both deadly drugs and illegal firearms across state lines. Jason Lebberes, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges stemming from a case that exposed a network of illicit activity. The bust, a joint effort by multiple federal agencies, paints a grim picture of readily available weaponry and the flow of methamphetamine into New England.
According to court documents, Lebberes admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. But the drugs weren’t the full extent of his criminal enterprise. He also trafficked a privately manufactured firearm – a so-called “ghost gun” – and a Glock switch, a cheap and easily obtainable device that turns a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon. Investigators discovered this wasn’t an isolated incident; Lebberes had previously sold numerous Glock switches to other customers, fueling the proliferation of illegal automatic weapons.
The feds weren’t just relying on street informants. A search of Lebberes’ residence turned up a disturbing arsenal: numerous handguns, assault rifles, and a significant amount of ammunition. Many of these weapons were also privately manufactured, bypassing standard background checks and regulations. Adding to the reckless behavior, investigators recovered a video showing Lebberes discharging a handgun from the window of his moving vehicle – a blatant disregard for public safety and a clear indication of his dangerous character.
Lebberes now faces a hefty prison sentence. The charge of possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine carries a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in prison, along with at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Trafficking a firearm to an out-of-state resident could add up to 15 years, while transferring a machinegun – the Glock switch – also carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years. The final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris on January 17, 2024, taking into account federal sentencing guidelines.
The case was spearheaded by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, alongside Brian D. Boyle of the DEA, Ketty-Larco Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and James M. Ferguson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Valuable assistance was also provided by the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich is prosecuting the case, aiming to hold Lebberes accountable for his actions and disrupt the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into the region.
This bust underscores the continued challenges facing law enforcement in combating the dual threats of drug trafficking and illegal firearms. The ease with which individuals like Lebberes can acquire and distribute these dangerous goods highlights the need for stricter regulations and increased interagency cooperation to keep communities safe. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing and any further developments.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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