7 Years For Suffolk Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With 9MM Pistol In Front Of Kids

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Brentwood man who threatened his ex-girlfriend with a loaded 9mm pistol in front of their children was sentenced to seven years in prison and five years post-release supervision on Friday, Suffolk prosecutors said.

Michael Gonzalez, 29, admitted that on Oct. 3, 2021, he called and threatened to shoot his ex-girlfriend in front of their children because he said he was angry that she was dating another person, according to prosecutors. The next day, he threatened her again, then went to her house, and threatened to shoot her, lifting his shirt to show a handgun in his waistband, all while their children were inside the home, prosecutors said.

Police responded to a 911 call for a domestic disturbance involving a gun and arrested him after he was caught with a loaded .9 mm semiautomatic pistol, according to prosecutors.

Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said Gonzalez's case is "an example of both the dangers presented by illegal guns in the hands of criminals and the consequences those criminals can expect to face" when they are prosecuted by his office.

Due to the nature of the offense and the defendant’s extensive criminal history, the DA's office recommended a 10-year sentence, prosecutors said.

Gonzalez committed the crime while he was out on parole on two other felonies.

In August 2019, Gonzalez was sentenced in Queens County to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of post-release supervision on a conviction for second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon for having a loaded gun. One month later, in September, he was sentenced in Nassau County to two years’ incarceration and then two years of post-release supervision on a conviction for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty in August to a 12-count indictment, including several weapon offenses such as second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm, second-degree menacing, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The indictment also included charges of criminal obstruction of breathing, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree harassment.

His attorney, Natasja Bellinger of West Islip, declined comment.