Staten Island butcher arrested in NYPD raid for possession of unregistered ghost guns.
A butcher in Staten Island was arrested on Tuesday following the discovery of multiple illegal firearms, including ghost guns, at his residence and business. Michael Ozga, 42, faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon after a thorough search conducted by the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force.
The investigation began early this year when authorities noted suspicious purchases associated with Ozga, indicating he was involved in the manufacturing of ghost guns. Subsequently, a search warrant was issued, leading to the early morning raid at his home in the Arden Heights neighborhood, where investigators seized a total of seven firearms, ammunition, silencers, and two lower frames for ghost guns made with a 3D printer. Among the recovered firearms were three ghost guns, which included two Glock-style 9-millimeter pistols equipped with high-capacity magazines, as well as an AR-15 styled assault weapon. Additionally, four other unregistered firearms were found, comprising an AK-47 assault rifle, two SKS hunting rifles, and a Derringer-style pistol capable of firing 12-gauge shotgun rounds.
At the time of the arrest, Ozga was at home with his 39-year-old wife and their one-year-old son. Following the search at his residence, the task force proceeded to his butcher shop, Hook & Rail Meats, located on Victory Boulevard. There, officials recovered 16 parts associated with ghost guns, as well as unfinished lower frames for AR-15s, AK-47s, and handguns, all situated atop a freezer, alongside four cases of ammunition.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon emphasized the importance of this operation, stating that the recovery of a substantial number of illegal firearms, particularly untraceable ghost guns, is vital to curbing violence in the community. He noted that this enforcement action would prevent potentially tragic outcomes that such weapons can cause on Staten Island streets.
Ozga, who became a well-known figure in the local butcher community since the opening of Hook & Rail Meats in 2017, which is noted for its organic, grass-fed meats and locally sourced products, remains in custody with bail set at ,000 cash and ,000 bond. He reportedly did not have any prior arrests and was believed to be collecting and assembling firearms without actively selling them.
The task force received authorization for the search warrant from Judge Mario Mattei on August 11, resulting in a significant intervention aimed at combating illegal firearm possession in the area. The repercussions of this incident will undoubtedly resonate throughout the Staten Island community as authorities continue to address the issue of gun violence and the proliferation of unregistered firearms.
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