Bronx Man Sold 18 Guns To Undercover Cop, DA Says

THE BRONX, NY — A Bronx man was charged with gun and drug crimes after selling more than a dozen guns — including a semi-automatic rifle — to an undercover cop, prosecutors said. Jorge Pichardo, 29, was arraigned Wednesday on 146 counts of various crimes after his January arrest, the Bronx District Attorney's Office said.

"A months-long investigation uncovered the defendant’s alleged actions, which attempted to contribute to the illegal guns on the streets of the Bronx," District Attorney Darcel Clark said. "Each gun intercepted is a life saved and we will vigorously prosecute anyone who promotes danger in our community."

Pichardo was accused of selling 18 guns, including 16 that were operable, to an undercover cop from July of last year to January during a long-term gun violence investigation. One of the guns was a Norinco SKS semi-automatic rifle, the DA's office said.

Pichardo was arrested Jan. 17 after he was found with more than eight grams of cocaine, prosecutors said.

Pichardo faces dozens of counts of several crimes, including criminal sale of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest, prosecutors said.

He could serve up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, according to the DA's office.

Pichardo is next due in court on May 29. His attorney, Abraham Mayers, declined to comment.

(Lead image: Photo by Daniel Hixon/Shutterstock)