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Mineola Man Charged After Ghost-Gun Cache, Basement Range Found Near Schools

Officials launched a yearlong HSI probe triggered by more than 100 online gun‑parts purchases.

Overview

  • Investigators identified the suspect as 67-year-old Wen-Lone Chou, whose home abuts school property in Mineola, and say he tested firearms on a 25-foot makeshift range in his basement.
  • Authorities report seizing a Sig Sauer 320 ghost gun, seven assault-style rifles, a hunting rifle, a revolver and parts to assemble an MP5-style weapon.
  • The search also recovered roughly 6,000 rounds of ammunition, 78 high-capacity magazines, a Glock switch and six suppressors, with some magazines hidden in a bathroom ceiling.
  • Prosecutors say the multi-agency task force began tracking Chou after about 110–112 firearm-part purchases since January 2025, and they are still analyzing evidence for potential additional charges.
  • Chou pleaded not guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; bail was set at $250,000 cash or $625,000 bond with passport surrender and a March 5 court date, and officials say they have no evidence of a planned attack or sales.