Morris county man charged with attempted murder of federal officer and possession of assault rifles — Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

NEWARK, NJ – A Morris County man is facing federal charges after allegedly opening fire on law enforcement agents during a search at his home in Parsippany, officials announced.

Maloy Amador, 43, has been charged with attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was taken into custody following a standoff and made his first court appearance on August 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark, where he was ordered detained.

The charges stem from an incident on August 13, when law enforcement agents arrived at Amador’s residence to execute a search warrant related to a narcotics and firearms investigation. During the operation, Amador allegedly fired a weapon at officers, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

One officer’s bulletproof vest was later found to contain fragments from a projectile believed to have been fired by Amador. Law enforcement also recovered cocaine and multiple firearms from the home, including several assault rifles.

If convicted, Amador faces significant penalties. The attempted murder charge carries up to 20 years in prison, while the firearm discharge charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life. The firearms possession charge carries up to 15 years, and the narcotics offense up to 20 years. Fines could reach $250,000 for the firearms and attempted murder charges, and up to $1 million for the drug offense.

The arrest was the result of a coordinated investigation by the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Jersey State Police, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department. It is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative aimed at dismantling criminal organizations and violent networks.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levin and Javon Henry.

Key Points

Maloy Amador, 43, charged after allegedly firing at law enforcement during Parsippany search
Authorities recovered cocaine and multiple firearms, including assault rifles
Charges carry potential penalties of up to life in prison and over $1 million in fines

Gunfire and drug charges lead to federal arrest of Morris County man during multi-agency raid.

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