March 8, 2023 – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that a Hastings-on-Hudson man was arraigned on a 113-count felony indictment charging him with illegally possessing more than a dozen guns, including assault weapons, and 86 high-capacity magazines in his home.
DA Rocah said: “This case highlights the benefits of law enforcement working together at the local and federal level, across multiple jurisdictions, to remove an arsenal of illegal and dangerous weapons from our community.”
Jianqiao Lu, 29, was indicted by a Westchester County Grand Jury for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (related to the alleged possession of three or more firearms), eight counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (related to the alleged possession of assault weapons), 16 counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and 86 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (related to the alleged possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices), all felonies. The defendant was arraigned before Judge Susan Cacace in Westchester County Court on March 7, 2023, and remains remanded.
On Oct. 25, 2021, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the defendant was allegedly in possession of 16 guns, including eight assault weapons, and 86 high-capacity magazines at his residence in Hastings-on-Hudson. The defendant did not have a permit to legally purchase or possess the firearms.
The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department arrested the defendant at his residence on Oct. 25, 2021. The investigation was conducted jointly by the New York City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Criminal Investigators of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation following the arrest.
The case is before Judge Robert Neary in Westchester County Court, and is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catalina Blanco Buitrago of the Trials and Investigations Division.
The charges against the defendant are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Anna Young, Public Information Officer
(914) 995-6551
ayoung@westchesterda.net
