A Morris County man was sentenced on July 17 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, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court after pleading guilty to charges including 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.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said, “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.”
Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy said, “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.”
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 as part of an investigation into narcotics and firearms offenses. After entry was made into his home by law enforcement officers, Amador fired upon them; following an extended exchange he surrendered after being struck in the arm by gunfire himself. Officers discovered bullet fragments embedded in one agent’s ballistic vest as well as over two kilograms of narcotics and multiple assault rifles among eighteen recovered firearms.
Frank Russo from U.S. Customs and Border Protection said, “During this operation, one of our CBP officers later discovered bullet fragments embedded in his protective vest—an alarming reminder… We are grateful he was not physically injured… CBP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners…” Towanda R. Thorne-James from DEA New Jersey Field Division said, “We are very fortunate that no members … were injured or killed during this operation… we will continue to pursue those seeking to break the law.” An ATF spokesperson added, “ATF remains steadfast … This plea demonstrates our shared resolve…”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI Newark; DEA New Jersey; ATF Newark Field Division; U.S. Customs & Border Protection Office Of Professional Responsibility New York Field Office; New Jersey State Police; Morris County Prosecutor’s Office; Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative combining resources from Justice Department programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for District Of New Jersey prosecutes crimes statewide through offices located across Newark, Trenton, and Camden employing about 170 attorneys/support staff advancing community safety via coordination/crime prevention programs representing United States civil matters according to the official website.