Introduction to the Case
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the arraignment of a Jamaica man and his accomplice from Georgia for allegedly transporting illegal firearms and drugs into southeast Queens following a six-month investigation.
Photo courtesy of DA’s office
The Indictment
A Queens grand jury indicted a Jamaica man and his accomplice on weapons and drugs charges for trafficking illegal guns from Georgia into southeast Queens. Teddy Gaston, 39, of Linden Boulevard, and Jezerel Huston, 41, of Macon, Georgia, were arraigned Sept. 9 in Queens Supreme Court on a 194-count indictment charging them with criminal sale of a firearm and other weapons charges, criminal sale of a ghost gun, criminal sale of a controlled substance, conspiracy and other related crimes.
The Investigation
A six-month joint investigation with the NYPD and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that the duo allegedly worked in concert to purchase firearms in Georgia and transport the weapons to be sold in Southeast Queens. The investigation included undercover buys of more than 70 firearms, ammunition, and drugs from the defendants, with most of the transactions taking place in a McDonald’s parking lot in Rosedale.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the arraignment of a Jamaica man and his accomplice from Georgia for allegedly transporting illegal firearms and drugs into southeast Queens following a six-month investigation.
Photo courtesy of DA’s office
Details of the Investigation
According to the indictment and the investigation, members of the Queens District Attorney’s office, the NYPD, and HSI began a firearm trafficking investigation involving Gaston, known on the streets as “JD Yikes, and Huston in March. Huston would allegedly procure firearms in Georgia, transport them to New York, and provide them to Gaston, who would then sell the weapons in Queens. An undercover officer conducted eight controlled buys with the defendants between April 7 and Aug. 29. The transactions resulted in the seizure of 59 firearms, including seven assault weapons and one ghost gun, 98 fentanyl pills, approximately 100 grams of cocaine and multiple rounds of ammunition. Many of the purchases allegedly took place at a McDonald’s parking lot on Merrick Boulevard and 244th Street in Rosedale.
Arrest and Charges
On Sept. 9, Gaston and Huston were arrested at the intersection of 241st Street and Merrick Boulevard by members of the NYPD, HSI, and Suffolk County Police while on the way to a pre-arranged gun sale transaction. A total of 18 additional firearms, including five assault weapons, were seized during the arrest. Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino remanded Gaston and Huston into custody without bail and ordered them to return to court on Oct. 6.
Reaction from Authorities
“Over the course of six months, members of my Major Narcotics Unit worked in close collaboration with the NYPD’s JFK Task Force Unit and HSI to bring these defendants to justice,” Katz said. “I extend my gratitude to the brave undercover officer who placed himself in harm’s way to help build the case.” “As alleged, these defendants masterminded a gun and drug trafficking network that funneled firearms, fentanyl, and other narcotics into our neighborhoods and in turn, created a supply line that fueled violence and harmful addiction,” HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel said during the press conference.
Conclusion
The arrest and indictment of Teddy Gaston and Jezerel Huston mark a significant milestone in the efforts to combat gun and drug trafficking in Queens. The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against illegal firearms and narcotics. If convicted, Gaston and Huston face up to 25 years in prison.
FAQs
- Q: What were Teddy Gaston and Jezerel Huston charged with?
A: They were charged with criminal sale of a firearm, criminal sale of a ghost gun, criminal sale of a controlled substance, conspiracy, and other related crimes. - Q: How many firearms were seized during the investigation?
A: A total of 77 firearms were seized, including 59 during the undercover buys and 18 during the arrest. - Q: What was the role of the NYPD and HSI in the investigation?
A: The NYPD and HSI worked in collaboration with the Queens District Attorney’s office to conduct the investigation, which included undercover buys and surveillance. - Q: What is the potential sentence for Gaston and Huston if convicted?
A: They face up to 25 years in prison. - Q: What is the "Iron Pipeline" referred to in the case?
A: The "Iron Pipeline" refers to the network of gun traffickers who take advantage of lax gun laws in other states to bring dangerous guns into Queens County.
