James Strong, a 35-year-old ex-convict who was released on parole in October 2023 after serving nearly 16 years for manslaughter, is now facing federal firearm trafficking charges. Federal prosecutors allege that he sold 21 guns, including pistols and rifles, to undercover officers in Queens between January and March 2025, believing the weapons were destined for Trinidad. This operation comes less than a year after Strong was released from prison for killing 17-year-old Ricky Anthony Williams in a 2007 party shooting.
Strong’s illicit dealings raise significant public safety concerns, as various firearms, including “ghost guns,” were allegedly funneled into local communities, potentially endangering lives. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that Strong conducted the sales in broad daylight and near schools. In addition to Strong, five other accused gun dealers have also been charged, highlighting a troubling network of illegal arms trafficking in the area.
Read full story at www.nydailynews.com