Man arrested for selling 8 guns, including assault weapon, to undercover cop in Harlem

Joseph Moore, 48, was hit with weapons charges after selling eight guns to an undercover officer over eight months this year.
Joseph Moore, 48, was hit with weapons charges after selling eight guns to an undercover officer over eight months this year. Photo credit Manhattan D.A.

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A man was arrested and charged for selling numerous illegal firearms to an undercover officer in Harlem over eight months this year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced on Tuesday.

Joseph Moore, 48, is charged in an indictment with 24 counts of criminal sale of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon.

Between April 2024 and October 2024, Moore is accused of selling eight guns to an undercover officer in front of his Harlem apartment building located near West 135th Street and Broadway, officials said.

Moore was charged in a 24-count indictment.
Moore was charged in a 24-count indictment. Photo credit Manhattan D.A.

On April 15, he sold the operative two guns for $2,700, including one that was loaded and an assault weapon, according to court documents and statements. He followed this up with two more sales to the undercover officer on May 27 and Oct. 2, selling two defaced guns for $2,000 and four guns for over $3,700, respectively.

Moore was arrested at his apartment on Oct. 28 and the NYPD discovered eight additional guns, six of which were loaded, including two assault weapons.

Moore is accused of selling over $8,000 in guns to the operative.
Moore is accused of selling over $8,000 in guns to the operative. Photo credit Manhattan D.A.

Law enforcement also found a wooden rifle upon execution of the court-authorized search warrant, which was unloaded and unassembled, in addition to a 3D printer that had the ability to make modifications to guns.

“The guns Moore allegedly sold had a significant risk of causing harm to fellow Manhattanites, and I am thankful that one of the NYPD's brave undercover officers was able to prevent the weapons from making it onto our city’s streets,” Bragg said. “Protecting Manhattan’s communities from gun violence remains my top priority and we will continue using all the tools at our disposal to reduce gun violence.”

Among the weapons Moore allegedly sold was one assault weapon, and he was found in possession of two other assault weapons upon execution of a warrant at his Harlem residence.
Among the weapons Moore allegedly sold was one assault weapon, and he was found in possession of two other assault weapons upon execution of a warrant at his Harlem residence. Photo credit Manhattan D.A.

According to the NYPD, police have removed 5,850 illegal guns from the streets of New York City this year.

“This case highlights the ongoing proliferation of illegal firearms in many neighborhoods that still need our assistance, as well as the daily efforts of the NYPD to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of criminals,” Tisch said.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Manhattan D.A.