Deputy Mayor of New York State Collected a Whole Depot of Illegal Weapons and Fake Documents

Brian Downey, deputy mayor of Airmont, New York, was arrested for possession of a firearm. The authorities have filed federal and state charges. Earlier, during a search of his house, the police found an "arsenal of weapons", reports The New York Times.

17 unregistered firearms and 13 silencers

Airmont is located about an hour north of New York City. Brian Downey, Deputy Mayor, was arrested last week. During a search in his house, an "arsenal of weapons" was found.

In the documents of law enforcement officers mentioned the "weapons room" in the basement of Downey's house. The weapon hung on two walls of this room and even in the toilet located next to it. Downey charged with possession of 17 unregistered firearms and 13 silencers.

In addition, during a search of the house of the Deputy Mayor, the authorities seized the safe. It contained fake IDs from the FBI and other law enforcement officials. Among them are forged documents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Bailiffs Service. Some of the fake IDs had a picture of Downey. Among other things, four FBI patches were found that are attached to the uniform.

Authorities said they also found two fake NYS court staffer badges with the name and photograph of Brian Downey.

During the search, he agreed to speak with law enforcement officers. The deputy mayor admitted that he did not have the registration or permit for the firearms that were kept in his home. According to him, he bought it, believing that "as a law enforcement officer, he was allowed to do this."

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Downey actually has a license to own a pistol. But it was issued for a different firearm, and not for the one that was found in his house. In particular, sawn-off shotguns and a rifle were found, which he had no right to own.

Separate charge for gun crimes

As a result, Downey was charged with possession of unregistered firearms. And one count of possession of federal badges and identification cards that he was not allowed to have. All of these charges are made at the federal level.

In addition, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office has separately charged gun-related offenses.

“Our community is without a doubt safer today than yesterday,” said Rockland County Attorney Tom Walsh.

He stressed that anyone who takes an oath to serve the community "must be impeccably honest."

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Downey, 47, is listed as Deputy Mayor and Member of the Board of Trustees of Airmont. It is an elected body that governs a city with a population of 9000.

Neither Downey nor Mayor Nathan Bubel responded to requests for comment. The defendant's lawyer, Andrew C. Quinn, said he would not comment.

Unsuccessful purchase

District Attorney Walsh's office said Downey was taken into custody last Thursday, September 2, after he bought a muffler for a rifle online (New York State law prohibits having a muffler).

Walsh's office learned of the purchase of the muffler when agents from the US Department of Homeland Security announced the delivery of the device to the Deputy Mayor's home.