QUEENS, NY – Two alleged gun traffickers accused of running firearms from Georgia into Southeast Queens have been indicted on nearly 200 charges following a six-month undercover investigation, prosecutors announced.
Teddy Gaston, 39, also known as “JD Yikes,” of Jamaica, Queens, and Jezerel Huston, 41, of Macon, Georgia, were arraigned Tuesday on a 194-count grand jury indictment charging them with weapons trafficking, drug sales, and conspiracy. Both men face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the pair purchased firearms in Georgia, transported them north, and sold them in Queens—often meeting an undercover officer in a McDonald’s parking lot on Merrick Boulevard in Rosedale. Over the course of eight controlled buys, investigators seized 59 firearms, including seven assault weapons and one ghost gun, along with fentanyl, cocaine, and ammunition.
Officials say many of the guns had high-capacity magazines, and some were defaced. On one occasion, Gaston allegedly handed over a knapsack with six handguns in exchange for $4,300. On another, the pair were caught on surveillance carrying a red suitcase filled with eight firearms—including an assault rifle and a ghost gun with a machine gun conversion switch—alongside a bag containing 98 fentanyl pills.
The investigation culminated on September 9, when Gaston and Huston were arrested during a planned gun sale at 241st Street and Merrick Boulevard. Authorities seized 18 more firearms, including five assault weapons, at the time of the bust.
Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Ricky Patel joined DA Katz in announcing the charges, calling the takedown a major strike against the “Iron Pipeline” of illegal guns flowing from southern states into New York City.
Both defendants were ordered held without bail and are due back in court on October 6.
Key Points
- Two men indicted on 194 counts for trafficking guns and drugs from Georgia to Queens.
- Undercover investigation seized 77 firearms, fentanyl, cocaine, and ammunition.
- Defendants face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The McDonald’s parking lot deals ended with one of Queens’ largest gun busts in years.
