New York man facing up to life in prison in Massachusetts on firearm and drug trafficking charges

BOSTON – A New York man was arrested Wednesday in connection with allegedly trafficking drugs and firearms.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 31-year-old Jason Lebberes of Tuckahoe, N.Y., was indicted on one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident; and one count of transferring a machinegun. Leberres was arrested in New York Thursday morning and appeared in federal court in the Southern District of New York. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Lebberes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a privately manufactured firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun” and a Glock switch. A Glock switch is a device that converts firearms into automatic weapons. The investigation revealed that Lebberes had allegedly sold numerous Glock switches to other customers in the past.

It is further alleged that, during a search of Lebberes’ residence in Tuckahoe, N.Y. yesterday, a treasure trove of handguns, assault rifles, and ammunition were recovered, several of which appeared to be privately manufactured. A video of Lebberes discharging a handgun out of his car window was also allegedly recovered during the investigation.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least ten years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transferring a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.