Brian Downey is the deputy mayor of Airmont in New York. He faces criminal charges.
Authorities discovered that Downey had fake federal badges and guns not registered.
After law enforcement officers executed a search warrant last Wednesday, Downey was taken into custody
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Federal charges have been filed against a deputy mayor in New York after authorities found unregistered firearms, and fake badges for federal agencies. The criminal complaint was unsealed Tuesday.
According to a statement by the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, Brian Downey was taken into custody last week for "purchasing an internet-based rifle suppression device."
Later, authorities executed a search warrant at his residence and discovered at least 13 illegal suppressors as well 16 unregistered attack weapons. This included a short-barrel rifle (and sawed-off gun).
According to the complaint, the firearms were found on a rack in Downey's home. This room was called the "Gun Room" by authorities. Law enforcement officers found the illegal firearms and a small locked box that Downey claimed did not contain the combination.
The box was opened and found "numerous federal credentials and badges" with Downey's name, from several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Justice Department's Bureau of Prisons and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the complaint, Downey's United States passport books, United States passport cards, and New York state commercial driver license were also found within the lockbox.
You will find federal credentials in the lockbox. Justice Department
It wasn't immediately clear for what Downey intended the bogus federal badges or unregistered firearms to be used for.
The Journal News reported that the investigation was a joint effort by US Homeland Security, Rockland County District Attorney's Office and US postal inspectors.
According to the complaint, Downey has been charged with possessing unregistered firearms as well as possession of federal identification cards and badges following the search warrant. Rockland County District attorney Tom Walsh announced that Downey faces almost a dozen state charges of criminal possession.
Walsh stated last week that the arrest of an individual who had been entrusted by his community to serve his community was a sad day in County.
He continued, "Our community is undoubtedly safer today than it ever was yesterday."
In 2019, Downey was elected deputy mayor of Airmont. He would have to resign if convicted.
It wasn't immediately clear if Downey retained an attorney to represent him in the case.
