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Two Queens men charged with stockpiling dozens of firearms, including ghost guns
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 30, 2023
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Courtesy Queens District Attorney
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 30, 2023
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Two Queens men were arrested last week after investigators uncovered a stockpile of illegal weapons in their possession, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Christopher Lall, 32, was taken into custody August 23rd alongside Steve Salamalay, 30, after investigators executed search warrants at their homes, offices and a storage unit, according to a press release.
Officials discovered a dozen illegal firearms, including ghost guns, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and gun manufacturing tools between Lall’s home and storage unit on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Salamalay’s home on 89th Avenue and his Manhattan office.
The searches came after a long-term investigation into the defendants’ purchase of ghost guns, referred to in the press release as “polymer-based, unserialized firearm components, which are easily assembled into operable firearms without serial numbers.”Guns without serial numbers are called ghost guns, because they are untraceable.
A loaded, semi-automatic ghost gun pistol and two Glock-style ghost guns were found in the raid, along with a slew of other firearms. Other weapons seized included several revolvers, a 5.56 caliber assault pistol loaded with 30 rounds, 18 high-capacity ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and two handheld drill press devices and a sight pusher, which are tools used to make ghost guns.
Lall and Salamalay were both arraigned in Queens criminal court — Lall on a 57-count complaint, and Salamalay on a 40-count complaint with criminal weapons possession as top charges for both.
Neither of the men had permits to own guns in New York City, according to the DA’s office. Both face 15 years in prison if convicted.
Queens has recovered more ghost guns than any other borough since 2021, according to the DA’s office. Including this takedown, 86 ghost guns have been recovered in the borough this year.
“Illegal firearms cause unspeakable tragedies in our communities,” said Queens DA Melinda Katz in a statement, adding that her office has made it a priority to take on the sale and manufacture of deadly weapons.
Attorneys for Lall and Salamalay could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tagged
queens
public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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