Buffalo, NY – Lay Wah, 23, is facing federal charges after a raid on his Newfield Street residence turned up a loaded 9mm handgun and a disturbing array of illegal items. The ATF, alongside Buffalo Police, executed a search warrant Monday, uncovering what authorities say was a desperate attempt to ditch evidence.
According to court documents, agents observed Wah rapidly moving from a computer room to a bedroom as they entered the residence. He was then spotted reaching into a piece of furniture before slamming the bedroom door shut. Moments later, a 9mm handgun was thrown from the same window, observed by an officer outside. The weapon wasn’t just any handgun; it was equipped with a device capable of converting it into a fully automatic machinegun – a serious escalation of the potential danger.
Inside the residence, the search continued, revealing more than just the firearm. Authorities also seized a quantity of cash, 9mm ammunition, various packaging materials, and a plastic bag containing numerous suspected counterfeit Percocet pills. The discovery of the pills suggests Wah wasn’t simply illegally possessing a weapon, but potentially involved in drug trafficking as well.
This isn’t Wah’s first brush with the law. In December 2020, he was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court, legally barring him from possessing any firearms. The ATF is now alleging that he knowingly violated this restriction, facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Wah made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was immediately detained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker is prosecuting the case. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations at this point. Wah is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented thus far paints a troubling picture, raising questions about the source of the weapon, the counterfeit pills, and the full extent of his criminal activity. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
Related Federal Cases
- Jason Twiss, Gun and Heroin Possession, NY 2024 · New York
- Patrick Willie Smith, Gun Possession with Loaded Firearm, FL 2024 · Virginia
- Floyd Michael Richardson, Gun and Narcotics Possession, TX 2016 · Texas
- Chamberlain Chaney, Gun Possession with Stolen Firearm, FL 2024 · Virginia
- Guy Lightfoot, Gun Possession by Convicted Felon, New York 2024 · Michigan
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
