Four New Jersey Men Charged in Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

Authorities have charged four individuals in Ocean County with illegal firearms trafficking, including the sale of so-called "ghost guns."

NEW JERSEY - James Hyres, 38, Dennis McMickle, 35, James Opalenik, 51, and Edward Trost, III, 36, all residents of New Jersey, have been charged with conspiracy to traffic in firearms and related offenses, according to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger. The charges stem from an alleged scheme to manufacture and sell illegal firearms, including privately made handguns, known as "ghost guns."

The criminal complaint details a conspiracy active between April and May 2024, during which Hyres manufactured these firearms using a 3D printer and other component parts. The guns were then sold for profit, with the involvement of McMickle, Trost, and Opalenik. Sales were made to various individuals, including a confidential source cooperating with the FBI.

Hyres and McMickle face additional charges of possessing firearms despite being previously convicted felons. McMickle and Opalenik are also accused of selling firearms with obliterated serial numbers. The investigation revealed that none of the defendants held federal licenses to manufacture or sell firearms.

Hyres and Opalenik were arrested in Ocean County and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court. McMickle and Trost are already in custody on unrelated charges in Monmouth and Ocean counties, respectively.

The accused face serious penalties: up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the main charges, and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge of possessing firearms with obliterated serial numbers.

The charges are accusations at this stage, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.