Morris County man sentenced to 24 years for attempted murder of federal officer, firearms and drug offenses

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, N.J. (Morris County) — A Parsippany man has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for attempting to murder a federal law enforcement officer during the execution of a search warrant in Parsippany, as well as firearms and drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Maloy Amador, 44, was sentenced to 288 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton after pleading guilty to attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging 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,” Frazer said.

According to court documents and statements made in court, federal, state and local law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Amador’s Parsippany residence on Aug. 13, 2025, as part of a narcotics and firearms investigation.

Prosecutors said that after officers entered the residence, Amador fired at law enforcement, leading to an extended exchange of gunfire before he surrendered. During the incident, Amador was struck in the arm.

Authorities said one officer later discovered that a bullet had struck the officer’s agency-issued electronic control device, leaving a hole in the device, while bullet fragments became embedded in the officer’s ballistic vest.

During a search of the residence, investigators recovered more than two kilograms of narcotics and 18 firearms, including multiple assault rifles, according to prosecutors.

“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 FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

“This guilty plea underscores the grave danger our officers face when they put on the uniform,” said Frank Russo, New York director of field operations for 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,” said Towanda R. Thorne-James, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division. “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.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Kirsch ordered Amador to serve four years of supervised release following his incarceration.