BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A 25-year-old Black woman is facing multiple firearm and ammunition charges after law enforcement searched a residence where she was only a guest, despite her public defender saying the accused was not named in the search warrant and was not staying in the room where the weapons were allegedly found.
The accused was arrested June 11 and charged with criminal possession of an ammunition clip in the third degree, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, possession of pistol ammunition and possession of an ammunition-feeding device.
The prosecution informed the court that there has been no grand jury action and that prosecutors have no offer for the accused.
Prosecutors also requested an interim date because they are still awaiting the results of a DNA swab taken from the firearm.
Public Defender Emily Balan opposed the interim date, emphasizing that her client’s name was not included on the search warrant.
Balan explained that the accused was merely a guest at the residence and was not staying in the room where the weapons were allegedly discovered.
The case comes amid significant racial disparities in New York City gun possession enforcement.
Black residents accounted for 70% of gun possession arrests between 2014 and 2024 in New York City, despite making up only 20% of the city’s population, according to the New York Amsterdam News in 2026.
Gun possession charges, rather than charges involving the firing of a weapon, are the most common gun-related charges in the city, the New York Amsterdam News also reported.
Many residents of color have reported feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods, including Brownsville and Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
They reported acquiring guns — although illegally — for self-protection.
Balan also told the court that her client works full time and that repeated court appearances are interfering with her work schedule.
Balan filed a cross 190.50, a written notice that gives the accused the ability to testify on her own behalf.
Judge Juan Abreu said that while there was nothing he could do about that, he urged prosecutors to file any results they receive as soon as possible, giving the defense time to respond and allowing the case to move forward.
The case was adjourned until Dec. 18.
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