Following Detective's Indictment, Mount Vernon Police Department Issues Statement

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Mount Vernon Police Department has reacted to news that one of its senior members has been arrested in connection to prob into gang activity On Long Island.

The Mount Vernon Police Department issued a statement on the indictment of Detective Kyren Braunskill.

"The news of Detective Braunskill's indictment is disappointing; however, the allegations precede his employment with the city," the department said in a statement last week. "A pre-employment background investigation was conducted in accordance with department
procedures, and no findings were returned. Based on the information available at that time, the decision was made to proceed with his employment. In light of these developments, the Mount Vernon Police Department will review its hiring and vetting practices to ensure they meet the highest standards."

Braunskill was among 18 reported associates of the "48 Gang," who were indicted in Suffolk County, according to District Attorney Ray Tierney.

See:'Outrageous Acts Of Violence' Takedown Of '48 Gang' Reveals 2 Murders, 8 Armed Robberies, 5 Shootings: DA

An investigation revealed that from January 2021 through December 2022, Braunskill conspired with gang members to sell and possess illegal firearms, Tierney said.

During that time, Braunskill worked as a 911 operator with the New York City Police Department — before becoming a police officer for the Mount Vernon Police Department in December 2022, where he currently holds the rank of detective.

It is alleged in the indictment that in December 2022, the same month Braunskill became a member of the Mount Vernon Police Department, that he attempted to arrange the sale of multiple illegal firearms to a reported gang member, worked with a gang member to attempt to deposit forged checks, and even solicited the assistance of a high-ranking gang member to commit a shooting on Braunskill's behalf, Tierney said.

According to Tierney, Braunskill is one of 16 defendants charged in a long-term conspiracy to illegally possess weapons spanning from 2021 through 2025.

During that time, members of law enforcement recovered 12 illegal weapons from the defendants, which were reported to have been used in multiple shootings and armed robberies, Tierney said.

This story relies on earlier reporting from Patch's Lisa Finn.