Parsippany Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Federal Officer, Narcotics Distribution, and Firearms Violations

Federal agents recovered multiple assault rifles and narcotics following an armed standoff at the suspect’s Morris County residence

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A Morris County man has been arrested and formally charged with attempted murder of a federal officer, multiple firearms offenses, and drug distribution following an armed confrontation at his Parsippany home on August 13, 2025. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba.

Maloy Amador, 43, was charged by criminal complaint with:

• Attempted murder of a federal officer

• Discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

• Possession of firearms by a convicted felon

• Possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Amador appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court on August 14, 2025, and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

“Violence against federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in New Jersey. Those who use violence against law enforcement officers will be prosecuted using the toughest criminal statutes and penalties available.” - Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba

Armed Standoff in Residential Parsippany

According to court filings and statements made in federal court, the incident occurred when federal law enforcement arrived at Amador’s Parsippany residence to execute a search warrant connected to a narcotics and firearms investigation. Upon entry, Amador allegedly opened fire on the officers, initiating an extended gunfight.

During the exchange, Amador was struck in the arm. Despite his injuries, he continued to engage before eventually surrendering to authorities. No fatalities were reported. However, investigators later found bullet fragments lodged in a federal officer’s bulletproof vest, indicating a near-lethal impact from one of Amador’s shots.

Following the arrest, law enforcement recovered multiple firearms from the residence, including several assault rifles, along with a quantity of cocaine consistent with intent to distribute.

Charges and Penalties

If convicted, Amador faces the following maximum penalties:

• Attempted murder of a federal officer: Up to 20 years in prison

• Discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence: Minimum 10 years to life in prison

• Possession of firearms by a convicted felon: Up to 15 years in prison

• Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: Up to 20 years in prison

In addition to prison time, these charges carry potential fines of up to $250,000 for each violent and firearms offense and $1 million for the narcotics violation.

Multi-Agency Operation

The charges stem from a coordinated investigation under Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations. The effort brings together personnel and resources from multiple federal and local agencies.

Acting U.S. Attorney Habba credited the following agencies with contributions to the investigation:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Newark Field Office

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• New Jersey State Police

• Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

• Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit, and Javon Henry, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, are prosecuting the case.

Presumption of Innocence

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Maloy Amador remain allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is part of ongoing federal and local efforts to suppress violent crime and illegal arms trafficking across New Jersey and beyond. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects or related investigations are pending.