Father-son duo peddled ghost guns

nypost.com

A father-son duo peddled illegal ghost guns ranging from a lilac-colored revolver to fully automatic Uzi through an illicit “Iron Pipeline” from Georgia to New York City, authorities said Monday.

The high-powered weaponry — which also included three “switches” that can turn a semi-auto handgun into a “fully operational machine pistol” — was seized in a sting, according to NYPD officials.

“Multiple recovered guns were equipped with devices designed to inflict increased harm,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in a statement. “Every illegal gun removed from our streets is a potential tragedy prevented.”

District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaking at a press conference with other officials as guns seized from a trafficking operation are displayed on a table in front of them. — Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announcing the arrest of a father and son who allegedly trafficked ghost guns to New York City at a press conference on June 22, 2026. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

A collection of confiscated firearms including a short-barreled rifle, an assault rifle, and two handguns. — Several guns recovered by the NYPD in the sting on the alleged gunrunners. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

Manhattan prosecutors announced the indictment Monday against 34-year-old Daniel Vern Joly and his 53-year-old father Daniel Joly on felony weapon-sale and possession charges after they were arrested June 17 for allegedly selling 45 guns to undercover detectives.

Police nabbed 30 more illegal weapons during the bust, authorities said — with the so-called ghost guns assembled from kits and untraceable.

Two other men, Johnny Philogene and Deashawn Ross were also indicted for their roles in the illegal operatoin, according to prosecutors.

Bragg said the crew sold more than $46,000 in guns and ammo to undercover NYPD detectives in both Chinatown and Brooklyn through what he called an “Iron Pipeline” going from the Peach State to the Big Apple.

Display board showing a text exchange between Daniel Joly and an undercover officer regarding a drug transaction. — Text messages exchanged between Daniel Joly and an undercover police officer. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

A map of the eastern US shows the "Iron Pipeline" route for firearm trafficking from Georgia to New York, with a list of five firearm sales. — A map of the “Iron Pipeline” used to bring illegal guns to New York City from the South. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

Daniel Vern Joly, the alleged main gunrunner, arranged the sales with the undercover cops from his home in Georgia while his father helped gather up the guns and carry out the sales, according to prosecutors.

Officials said the suspect bargained with the undercover cops over tricking out the guns with attachments, including rapid-fire mods like a “forced-reset trigger.”

Forced-reset triggers force the gun’s trigger forward after firing, resulting in much faster semi-automatic fire.

A pink gun seized in the bust on Daniel Jily and Daniel Vern Joly. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

Bragg announced the indictment behind a table spread end-to-end with the seized ghost guns.

Prosecutors said the Jolys were both arraigned on the day of their arrest, while Ross, 25, and Philogene, 37, were arrested in Georgia and awaiting extradition to New York.

NYPD Chief Detective Joseph Kenny said the NYPD has seized more than 2,300 firearms this year.

A close-up of a black revolver with a textured grip, displayed on a light-colored surface. — A pistol recovered on the gun trafficking bust. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

“It means going after the guns before they are used to shoot, rob, intimidate or kill New Yorkers,” Kenny said.

So far in 2026, murders are down more than 20% throughout New York City and have decreased 58% in Manhattan — the lowest of any year in reported history — according to Kenny

Philogene is due back in court July 23, and the Joly duo are expected Aug. 4. Ross’ court date is not yet set.