NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A Richmond Hill man has been indicted on multiple gun-related charges after allegedly transporting an illegal weapon collection over state lines from Pennsylvania.
Richard McCormick, 42, was arraigned on a 120-count indictment Thursday charging him with attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second, criminal possession of a weapon, manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances, criminal possession of a firearm, attempted criminal possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of pistol ammunition.
“The proliferation of shootings in our City has caused grief and heartache,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “This indictment sends a clear message that those who purchase and transport weapons illegally into our communities will be held accountable. We cannot allow weapons and gun violence to become the norm here in Queens County.”
According to a press release, McCormick was observed purchasing high-capacity magazines and other firearm component and ammunition at the Oaks Gun Show in Pennsylvania on Aug. 15.
McCormick then loaded his purchases into a black 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which he then drove through New Jersey and into New York City via the George Washington Bridge.
Shortly after entering the city, McCormick was pulled over by Port Authority Police Officer, who uncovered the illegal weapons in his vehicle, the DA said.
Police seized the following items from McCormick’s vehicle:
- 45 high-capacity magazines
- An upper slide and barrel for a 9mm pistol
- A trigger assembly
- 15 rounds of 12-gauge slug ammunition
- 1,000 rounds of 7.62 rifle ammunition
- A hook knife and switchblade knife
- 15 rounds of 12-gauge buckshot ammunition
- 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition
- 1 Billy Club
- 1 Expandable Baton
During the stop, McCormick allegedly told officers that he was planning to take the weapons to his home in Queens.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the home and were able to seize more weapons and ammunition, along with $8,500 in cash.
Police seized the following items from McCormick’s home:
- A package containing all parts needed to assemble a 9mm SCCY pistol
- Parts needed to assemble a polymer80 .45 caliber ACP pistol
- The parts to assemble a 9mm semi-automatic pistol
- 5 high-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds
- 4 firearm silencers
- A set of brass knuckles
- 2 switchblade knives
- 3 finished upper receivers for pistols
- 9,991 bullets for various calibers of weapons, including 9mm and .45 caliber firearms
- Numerous firearms-related components and parts for assembling or manufacturing pistols, rifles, and revolvers, and
- Mail and other items with the defendants’ names and the address of the location
If convicted, McCormick faces up to 20 years in prison. He is due back in court of Oct. 29.