New York Man Indicted for Firearms and Narcotics Trafficking
Defendant allegedly sold Glock switch
BOSTON – A New York man was arrested yesterday in connection with allegedly trafficking drugs and firearms.
Jason Lebberes, 31, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., was indicted on one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident; and one count of transferring a machinegun. Leberres was arrested in New York this morning and appeared in federal court in the Southern District of New York yesterday. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, Lebberes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a privately manufactured firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun” and a Glock switch. A Glock switch is a device that converts firearms into automatic weapons. The investigation revealed that Lebberes had allegedly sold numerous Glock switches to other customers in the past.
It is further alleged that, during a search of Lebberes’ residence in Tuckahoe, N.Y. yesterday, a treasure trove of handguns, assault rifles, and ammunition were recovered, several of which appeared to be privately manufactured. A video of Lebberes discharging a handgun out of his car window was also allegedly recovered during the investigation.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least ten years and up to life years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transferring a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
