Six Individuals Arrested in Two Separate Firearms Trafficking Cases

Two indictments have been unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging a total of six defendants variously with firearms trafficking, unlicensed firearms dealing, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Yesterday and this morning, Karsem Allen, also known as “Short,” Carolyn Hicks-Torres, Henry McCummings, Rohnique Posey, also known as “Pioneer,” and Dominic Smith were arrested on an 11-count indictment.  They will be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. Yesterday, James Strong was arrested on a separate indictment and was ordered detained this morning by Magistrate Judge Scanlon.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New York Division (ATF New York), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges.

“As alleged, the defendants brought deadly weapons to communities in Queens, flagrantly selling them in broad daylight near an elementary school and inside apartment complexes,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “The public should know that my Office and brave members of federal and local enforcement are working tirelessly to reduce gun violence by disrupting the flow of illegal guns to and within New York City and keeping them out of the hands of criminals.” 

“These indictments are the result proactive investigative efforts using crime gun intelligence and strong partnerships.  The brazenness of these firearms trafficking operations — selling nearly 50 illegal firearms and machine gun conversion devices in broad daylight near apartment buildings and a school — shows a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of the community.  Thanks to the outstanding work of the ATF New York Crime Gun Enforcement Team, ATF NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, the NYPD's Intelligence Bureau, Detective Bureau, and Major Case Ghost Gun Team, ATF Newark, New Jersey, ATF Raleigh, North Carolina, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, these individuals have been held accountable.  We will continue to bring all resources to bear to stem the flow of illegal firearms into our neighborhoods.  Every illegal gun taken off the street is a potential life saved,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Miller.

“James Strong and his co-defendants allegedly funneled untraceable ghost guns and other deadly firearms into a vibrant Queens community, putting countless lives—including children—at risk,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “Strong is a convicted killer who was out on parole when he carried out these sales, often in broad daylight and just steps from a school. This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of the work we do with our federal partners to get guns off our streets.  None of this would be possible without the dedicated work of the members of the NYPD, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

United States v. James Strong

As set forth in court filings, Strong sold 21 firearms to two separate undercover law enforcement officers (the UCs) in heavily populated areas of Queens Village in broad daylight.  In some cases, the firearms were sold just blocks away from an elementary school.  The UCs told Strong that they were smuggling the guns to Trinidad in barrels.  In connection with these firearms sales, Strong is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms due to his previous felony conviction for manslaughter stemming from a 2007 incident in which he shot an individual eight times, killing him, at a birthday party in Valley Stream on Long Island.  Strong was sentenced to 18 years in prison and was released on parole in October 2023.  Strong was on parole at the time he made the illegal sales.

U.S. v. Karsem Allen, et al.

As set forth in the indictment and other court filings, between December 2024 and June 2025, Allen, Hicks-Torres, McCummings, Posey, and Smith made multiple sales of at least 29 firearms, including semi-automatic and defaced weapons, inside apartment complexes in the Rockaways.  Allen and Hicks-Torres illegally obtained firearms in North Carolina from straw purchasers and then transported the weapons to New York City to be sold through Posey.  On one occasion, Allen and Hicks-Torres sold four machine gun conversion devices, which are designed for converting semi-automatic pistols into machine guns.  McCummings and Smith primarily sold “ghost guns” which typically do not have serial numbers and therefore are untraceable.  Posey is also charged with selling crack cocaine on four occasions.

The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s cases are being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Petraeus is in charge of prosecuting Strong.  Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Marcus is in charge of prosecuting Allen, Hicks-Torres, McCummings, Posey, and Smith.

The Defendants:

JAMES STRONG
Age:  35
Long Beach, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-214 (NGG)

KARSEM ALLEN (also known as “Short”)
Age:  49
Henderson, North Carolina

CAROLYN HICKS-TORRES
Age:  53
Henderson, North Carolina

HENRY MCCUMMINGS
Age:  43
Arverne, New York

ROHNIQUE POSEY (also known as “Pioneer”)
Age:  47
Arverne, New York

DOMINIC SMITH
Age:  31
Teaneck, New Jersey

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-216 (BMC)