Morris County Man Sentenced to 288 Months in Prison for Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, as well as Narcotics and Firearm Offenses, Including the Possession of Multiple[...]

NEWARK, N.J. - A Morris County man was sentenced to 288 months in prison for the attempted murder of a federal officer, as well as narcotics offenses and possession of 18 firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Maloy Amador, 44, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court following his guilty plea to a four-count information charging him 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, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

"Attempting to murder a federal law enforcement officer is among the most serious crimes our office prosecutes. The men and women of federal law enforcement put themselves in harm's way every day to protect our communities, and this case-where the defendant fired a gun at a federal officer-is a stark reminder of just how dangerous and life-threatening that mission can be. Anyone who chooses to meet law enforcement with violence will face the full weight of the federal justice system."

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

"Mr. Amador pled guilty today to a number of charges, to include the most serious charge of attempted murder of a federal officer. In August 2025, while federal agents were executing a court authorized search warrant, Amador discharged his assault rifle at the officers with a projectile striking at least one of the officers in the vest. The FBI takes any degree of assault on a federal officer with the utmost seriousness and will see that justice is served," said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

"This guilty plea underscores the grave danger our officers face when they put on the uniform," said New York Director of Field Operations Frank Russo of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "During this operation, one of our CBP officers later discovered bullet fragments embedded in his protective vest-an alarming reminder of how close we came to a very different outcome. We are grateful he was not physically injured, and I commend his skill, composure, and bravery in going through that door in an extremely dangerous situation. CBP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that those who target law enforcement are held fully accountable."

"This is a reminder of the dangers that the men and women of law enforcement put themselves in on a daily basis to keep our communities safe," stated DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. "We are very fortunate that no members of law enforcement were injured or killed during this operation. In light of these dangers, we will continue to pursue those seeking to break the law."

"ATF remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying and holding accountable anyone who commits violence against law enforcement officers or engages in criminal activity. This plea demonstrates our shared resolve and unified approach to protecting our communities. We will continue to work alongside our partners at all levels to combat threats to public safety."

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On August 13, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Amador's residence in Parsippany, New Jersey, in connection with a narcotics and firearms investigation. After law enforcement entered Amador's residence, Amador fired a gun toward law enforcement. Following an extended exchange of gunfire between Amador and law enforcement, Amador eventually surrendered, and law enforcement placed him under arrest. At some point during the exchange of gunfire, Amador was struck in the arm. After Amador's arrest, one of the officers who entered Amador's residence discovered that a bullet had struck his agency-issued electronic control device, leaving a hole in the device, and bullet fragments embedded in his ballistic vest. During a search of Amador's residence, law enforcement recovered over two kilograms of narcotics and 18 firearms, including multiple assault rifles.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Amador to four years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited officers and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Israel Colon; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle; the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Pantina.

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

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Defense Counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq.