Biggest Gun Bust in Orange County History
- ejreporter
- Aug 4
- 11 min read
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, ATF-Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta, joined by DEA New York SAC Frank Tarentino, City of Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw, City of Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden, and City of Newburgh Police Chief Brandon Rola, Announce Arrests Stemming from a Coordinated Firearm and Narcotics Enforcement Action:
20 Defendants Charged with Crimes Related to the Possession and Sale of Guns and Narcotics Investigation Targeted “Iron Pipeline” Conspiracy Whereby Firearms Primarily from the States of Georgia and Pennsylvania were Trafficked into Orange County for Illegal Sale.
55 Illegally Possessed Firearms, Including Handguns and Assault Weapons, Purchased Through Controlled Buys
Investigation Included Use of Judicially Authorized Wiretaps, Undercover Officers, and the Execution of Search Warrants
OPERATION POWDER BURN
Largest Gun Trafficking Case in Orange County History
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta, joined by DEA New York SAC Frank Tarentino , City of Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw, City of Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden and City of Newburgh Police Chief Brandon Rola, announced that on July 30, 2025, the coordinated efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies who conducted an enforcement action following a long-term investigation into firearm and narcotics trafficking in Orange County resulted in the filing of firearm, narcotics, and conspiracy charges against twenty (20) individuals. Three (3) of those charged individuals are pending extradition from other states. Law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Carl Henry, age 52, of East Stroudsburg PA, who is wanted on charges stemming from the investigation.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Powder Burn,” was an eight ( month long intensive investigation into illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking in Orange County that was conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force (“OCDTF”), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (“OCDA”), the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the City of Middletown Police Department, the City of Port Jervis Police Department, and the City of Newburgh Police Department. The investigation received major assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, the ATF NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force and the New York City Police Department. Other agencies that provide important assistance in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants charged in the operation were the New York State Police (“NYSP”) - CTIU, NYSP SORT, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Orange County Sheriff’s Special Operations Group, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Georgia State Police, the DeKalb County, Georgia, District Attorney’s Office, the Dekalb County, Georgia, Police Department-SWAT/Gang Unit, the Town of Montgomery Police Department, the Town of Woodbury Police Department, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the City of Mount Vernon Police Department, the New York State Air National Guard, and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center.
Law enforcement agencies from outside of New York State, notably the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the ATF Atlanta Field Division Groups 1 and 7, aided in the investigation, and apprehended defendants in those states, who have been charged in Orange County, along with the defendants apprehended in Orange County.
The investigation targeted an “iron pipeline conspiracy” whereby firearms, including handguns and assault weapons, from the states of Georgia and Pennsylvania were trafficked into Orange County for illegal sale to those without pistol permits. Most of the guns were sent from outside of New York by FedEx to co-conspirators in the City of Newburgh. Police officers made fifty-five (55) controlled purchases of firearms during the course of the investigation, using funds provided by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Explosives and Firearms.
Since December of 2024, various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, working with the Orange County Drug Task Force commenced an investigation into Christopher Brown, age 40, of City of Newburgh, and others associated with him, who were allegedly engaging in narcotics and cocaine trafficking crimes in the City of Newburgh, and elsewhere. The investigating agencies conducted extensive surveillance, reviewed subpoenaed records, and utilized undercover police officers. The investigation quickly revealed that in addition to trafficking narcotics, Brown and his associates were also engaged in the illegal sale of firearms. During the course of the investigation, fifty-five (55) illegally possessed firearms were purchased in controlled buys by police officers. The District Attorney applied for an eavesdropping warrant that was closely monitored by the law enforcement agencies. The purpose of the eavesdropping warrant was to identify who was supplying the firearms and to ensure that none of the illegally trafficked guns reached the streets. The investigation revealed that the firearms were primarily coming from Georgia, with a lesser number coming from Pennsylvania, and some being received by Brown from others within the City of Newburgh.
On July 30, 2025, two Orange County District Attorney Office criminal investigators joined federal law enforcement officials from the ATF, and Georgia police in aiding in the execution of a search warrant at the residence of Dijoun Lawrence and Shorna Witter. They were charged in felony complaints filed in the City of Newburgh Court, in Orange County, with allegedly engaging in a conspiracy to send firearms to Brown, so that they can be trafficked in the City of Newburgh. Brown often allegedly used the premises located at 132 South Street in the City of Newburgh to traffic firearms and narcotics. The term “Iron Pipeline” is used to refer to the routes used for illegal firearms trafficking between states with differing gun laws. The bulk of the guns being allegedly trafficked by Brown and his co-conspirators originated in Georgia, where handgun sales are less regulated than in New York.
Based on the sheer number of handguns obtained through the controlled purchases and the information obtained through court-ordered eavesdropping, this is the largest gun trafficking case in Orange County history. The investigation revealed that illegal guns being allegedly trafficked by Brown and his associates were likely distributed outside of the City of Newburgh. For that reason, the City of Middletown Police Department and the City of Port Jervis Police Department devoted significant resources to the investigation.
In addition to the purchase of the fifty-five (55) firearms, undercover police officers also purchased over seven hundred (700) grams combined of cocaine and fentanyl from Brown. Investigation revealed that the narcotic drugs were allegedly obtained by Brown from his narcotic drug suppliers, Shomaray Lane, age 32, of Newburgh, and Ian Dawes, age 57, of Queens.
Law enforcement executed a series of judicially authorized search warrants at residences in the City of Newburgh, the Bronx, Poughkeepsie, and Queens which resulted in the recovery of twelve (12) illegally possessed guns, over four (4) ounces of fentanyl, a half kilogram of cocaine and over $65,000 in US currency.
“This enforcement action, which resulted in the largest gun trafficking case in Orange County history, would not have been possible without the resources provided by the ATF, and the many brave local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “This case once again demonstrates the inevitable connection between illegal narcotics and illegal firearms. The scope and scale of this gun trafficking enterprise were truly alarming, and its deadly effects were by no means going to be confined to the City of Newburgh. I applaud the farsighted decisions of the City of Middletown Police Department and City of Port Jervis Police Department, who wisely invested significant investigative resources to eliminate a source of illegal guns before it resulted in more damage in their own jurisdictions. I am grateful for my partnership with Sheriff Arteta in running the Orange County Drug Taskforce, as well as for its many member agencies, and for the work of the New York State Police. Only long-term investigations involving multiple agencies from different states and federal partners can disrupt and dismantle operations that traffic in guns and narcotics. As I have said time and again, if you choose to bring illegal firearms into Orange County, we will find you and we will hold you accountable.”
Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said, “The defendants targeted in this investigation were not just trafficking narcotics—they were knowingly placing illegally possessed firearms into the hands of criminals with no regard for the devastation that could follow. These weren’t isolated offenses; they were part of a coordinated effort to profit off addiction and violence. Our teams, including the Special Operations Group and Drug Task Force, worked with precision and persistence to shut this network down. I’m proud of the role the Sheriff’s Office played in this historic case, and we remain committed to pursuing those who threaten the safety and stability of our communities.”
ATF NY SAC Bryan Miller, said "The flow of illegal firearms and narcotics into our communities poses a serious threat. Each gun recovered in this case represents a potential life saved. This investigation also underscores the value of crime gun intelligence and NIBIN, which linked multiple firearms to shootings and enabled precise, coordinated enforcement. This outcome would not have been possible without the extraordinary collaboration of our local, state, and federal partners—not only in New York, but across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. We are proud to support prosecution partners like District Attorney Hoovler and his team, and we remain committed to holding accountable those who fuel gun violence and threaten public safety."
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said “This was gun trafficking at scale — and law enforcement at its best. A multi-state operation, dozens of illegal firearms, and a long list of defendants now facing justice. The NYPD was proud to stand with our partners in Orange County to help take down this network. Because when traffickers flood our communities with guns and drugs, we don’t look the other way, we go after them.”
“This investigation exemplifies the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts across local, state, and federal levels,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The trafficking of illegal firearms and narcotics poses a serious threat to public safety, not only in Orange County but across our state. I commend the dedicated members of the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, CTIU, SORT, and all of our partner agencies for their relentless efforts in identifying and dismantling this dangerous network. The volume of illegal firearms seized underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and collaboration to shut down the so-called 'iron pipeline.' As Superintendent of the New York State Police, I remain committed to working with our partners to keep these weapons and drugs off our streets and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
“DEA New York was proud to assist our law enforcement partners in targeting this violent drug trafficking organization, whose individuals were responsible for the trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl, and firearms in our communities” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “As we have seen, many of these individuals use violence to conduct their illicit drug and gun trafficking business which often has senseless and deadly consequences. The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities and saving lives.”
City of Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw said, “The City of Middletown has enjoyed an unprecedented decrease in overall crime during the first half of 2025, but unfortunately that does not mean that our officers can rest. This case illustrates the extreme dangers that exist just outside our community, and the need for our agency to come together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the illegal weapons and narcotics markets within our cities, towns, and villages. This was a long and challenging investigation that risked the lives of the undercover officers and their support teams, as they diligently worked to infiltrate a complex network of traffickers. Based upon the sheer number of weapons and narcotics recovered, we have prevented countless tragic and devastating crimes within the Hudson Valley. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to District Attorney Hoovler and the dedicated members of the Orange County Drug Task Force, as well as the Port Jervis Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the ATF, the DEA and all our other law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case.
City of Port Jervis Police Chief Willliam Worden said, “The City of Port Jervis Police Department takes seriously our commitment to make our communities safer through collaborative investigations involving all levels of law enforcement to hold individuals legally accountable for trafficking narcotics and firearms. I am grateful for the work of the police officers from our department, and those of all the other agencies who worked on this case.”
City of Newburgh Police Chief Brandon Rola said “This case represents the power of collaboration in law enforcement. By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we were able to dismantle a dangerous network bringing illegal firearms and narcotics into our city. The City of Newburgh Police Department remains committed to proactive investigations that protect our community and prevent violence before it occurs.”
The cases are being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexis Gregory and Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Richard Moran.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
THE DEFENDANTS
Age
Charges
Bail Eligible
Sentence Exposure
Christopher Brown, Newburgh, NY
40
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
Yes
30 years
Shomoray Lane, Newburgh, NY
32
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
Yes
20 years
Hamp Hunter, Poughkeepsie, NY
40
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
Yes
25 years
Ian Dawes, Queens, NY
57
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
Yes
24 years
Howard Hoffman, Newburgh, NY
45
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (two counts)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
Yes
25 years
Carl Henry, East Stroudsburg, PA
52
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
Yes
25 years
Bryanna Carter, New Windsor, NY
31
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
No
10 years
Matthew Chang, Albrightsville, PA
47
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
Yes
25 years
Monique Lane, Newburgh, NY
54
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
8 1/3 – 25 years
Regina Didley, Newburgh, NY
60
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
1 1/3 – 4 years
Jamaine Taylor, Bronx, NY
38
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
12.5 – 25 years
Fitzroy Escoffery, Newburgh, NY
50
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
Yes
25 years
Timothy Barksdale, Wallkill, NY
49
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
12.5 – 25 years
Treasure Burton, Newburgh, NY
30
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
1 1/3 – 4 years
Rohan Brown, Newburgh, NY
56
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
Yes
25 years
Shorna Witter, Stone Mountain, GA
30
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
1 1/3 – 4 years
Dijoun Lawrence, Stone Mountain, GA
22
• Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree
Yes
25 years
Saamiyah Hall, Bronx, NY
37
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
1 1/3 – 4 years
Laquaner Richburg, Bronx, NY
50
• Conspiracy in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree
No
8 1/3 – 25 years
Kristopher Robinson, Newburgh, NY
40
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
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