Authorities reported on Monday that a father and son were involved in trafficking illegal ghost guns, including lilac revolvers and fully automatic Uzis, using what they described as a “steel pipeline” to transport them from Georgia to New York City.
The police recovered a powerful weapon containing three “switches,” which can alter a semi-automatic handgun into a “fully operational machine pistol,” following an incident involving a stabbing, according to New York City officials.
“Several of the firearms seized were fitted with devices that could cause additional harm,” stated Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Removing illegal guns from our streets helps prevent potential tragedies.”
The District Attorney’s office announced charges against 34-year-old Daniel Byrne Joly and his 53-year-old father, Daniel Joly, for felony weapon sales and possession. They were arrested on June 17 after allegedly selling 45 guns to an undercover officer.
During a police raid, another 30 illegal firearms were confiscated, which included ghost guns that were untraceable and assembled from kits.
Prosecutors also charged two other individuals, Johnny Philozine and Da’Shawn Ross, for their involvement in this illegal operation.
Bragg indicated that the duo sold over $46,000 worth of guns and ammo to undercover NYPD officers in both Chinatown and Brooklyn, facilitated by this so-called “iron pipeline” from Georgia to New York City.
Daniel Byrne Jolly reportedly coordinated the gun sales from his Georgia home, with his father assisting in gathering and selling the weapons.
Reportedly, the son negotiated with undercover agents regarding the ability to modify the guns with accessories that could enhance firing capabilities, including a device known as a “forced reset trigger.”
This particular trigger prompts the firearm’s trigger to reset automatically after a shot is fired, which allows for faster semi-automatic firing.
Bragg highlighted the indictment during a press conference, displaying confiscated ghost guns laid out on a table.
According to prosecutors, both Jolies were arraigned on the day they were apprehended, while Ross and Philogene await extradition to New York after their arrests in Georgia.
NYPD Chief Detective Joseph Kenney noted that over 2,300 firearms have been seized this year, emphasizing the importance of tracking guns before they can be used for harm.
As of 2026, homicides have declined by over 20% throughout New York City and 58% in Manhattan, marking a record low year, as mentioned by Kenney.
Philogene is scheduled to appear in court on July 23, with the Jolies set for an August 4 appearance; Ross’s court date remains unconfirmed.
