United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW YORK CITY –  Today in Manhattan Supreme Court, Julin Liriano was sentenced to prison for possessing narcotics and three loaded guns, including an assault rifle that he pointed at a New York City Police Department (NYPD) detective conducting surveillance on a residential street in Middle Village, Queens. Liriano previously pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Menacing in the Second Degree.

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli announced that LIRIANO received a sentence of 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-31, which is comprised of DEA agents, NYPD detectives and New York State Police investigators.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget B. Brennan said, “The sentence imposed today serves as a grim reminder of the dangerous connection between narcotics and guns. I thank law enforcement officers who face grave risks conducting investigations in order to keep the public safe.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Lethal narcotics and illegal weapons create a dangerous mix that place our communities at grave risk. I commend our law enforcement partners for ensuring that the streets of Queens County remain safe. Thank you to the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the DEA’s New York Division, the NYPD, and the New York State Police for making sure that this defendant is held accountable for his actions.”

“This sentencing illuminates the dangers law enforcement face every day while striving to keep the public safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “I applaud the members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Office of the New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor for their diligent work throughout this investigation.” 

“Today’s sentencing is the result of the exceptional effort and steadfast dedication of everyone involved in this investigation,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “Illegal guns and illicit drugs put New Yorkers at significant risk, and we must ensure that dealing in this lethal combination results in real consequences. I want to thank the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the DEA’s New York Division, the Queens County DA’s Office, the New York State Police, and everybody who worked on this case for their unwavering commitment to public safety.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “Mr. Liriano’s sentencing illustrates the work of a strong law enforcement partnership that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous man being taken off the streets. This sentencing reinforces that we will continue to be vigilant in holding those accountable who bring illegal drugs and weapons into our communities. The State Police and our law enforcement partners will remain committed to investigating and arresting those who put others in danger.”

On October 7, 2020 at approximately 6:45 p.m., members of DEA’s NYDETF Group T-31 were conducting surveillance as part of a short-term narcotics investigation when they observed Liriano outside of his residence at 85-25 Elliot Avenue in Middle Village carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle. Liriano was accompanied by a bulldog.

Agents and officers observed Liriano “cock” or load the rifle and point it at an NYPD detective inside an unmarked car. Liriano was ordered to drop his weapon, but rather than comply he instead went inside 85-25 Elliot Avenue.

Members of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) arrived at 85-25 Elliot Avenue and disabled security cameras pointing outside of the residence. LIRIANO subsequently exited the building and was taken into custody.

Following LIRIANO’s arrest, members of NYDETF Group T-31 conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and a car parked inside the garage. The search resulted in the seizure of three loaded guns: a semi-automatic pistol, an EVO 9mm carbine assault rifle and a MAC-11 submachine gun with a suppressor. Additionally, agents and officers recovered approximately 85 grams of cocaine, three pounds of marijuana, a scale, handcuffs and ammunition. A bulletproof vest was also present.

A court authorized search of an extensive home security system yielded images of the events of that day: Liriano standing in front of his home holding an assault weapon, loading the weapon, and lifting it to point at the detective’s vehicle. The security footage also showed that after Liriano refused to drop his weapon and fled back into his home, he carried multiple backpacks out to the garage and crammed them into an area of the car where the guns were found.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and commended SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, including DEA New York Division, the NYPD and the New York State Police, for their work on the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Quentin J. Morgan handled the investigation and prosecution for SNP, with assistance from Sr. Digital Forensics Analyst Victor Roman and Trial Preparation Assistant Irina Diaz.