Airmont Deputy Mayor indicted on Weapons and Forgery Charges
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced the indictment of Village of Airmont Deputy Mayor Brian Downey on dozens of felony charges as a result of a federal, county and local investigation into the purchasing of illegal gun parts.
Brian Downey, 47, of Airmont, NY was indicted by a Rockland County Grand Jury on the following charges:
• 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 1st Degree (Penal Law §265.04(2)) (B Felony)
• 12 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Penal Law §265.02(2)) (D Felony)
• 19 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Penal Law §265.02(7)) (D Felony)
• 85 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Penal Law §265.02(8)) (D Felony)
• 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (Penal Law §170.25) (D
Felony)
On September 2, 2021, Detectives of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and Federal Agents from the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force executed a search warrant at the Airmont home of Brain Downey. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office had received information that a package containing a firearm silencer was intercepted by the United States Customs and Border Protection that was to be delivered to the home of the Defendant under the disguised description of a “motorcycle noise reduction exhaust pipe”. After a thorough investigation, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office determined this was not the first package to have been delivered to the Defendant’s home.
Upon the execution of the search warrant, the search revealed, what was later to be determined as: twelve firearm silencers, nineteen assault rifles, and in excess of 85 high-capacity magazines. Specifically, 85 of the magazines were manufactured by Magpul Industries. A search of the residence would uncover numerous false federal law enforcement credentials; two false New York State Court Officer Shields and a New York State Court Officer Identification Card were located.
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “This indictment goes to show the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation. My office will continue to work with our partners at all levels of law enforcement to protect the safety of Rockland County residents. I would like to thank our partners in this investigation for their tireless work and professionalism. “
This was a joint investigation between the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Postal Inspector, Town of Ramapo Police Department, and Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
- It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
