Plea Deal For Airmont Trustee In Federal Gun & Badges Case

AIRMONT, NY — A now former Airmont village trustee accused of owning illegal weapons and fake law enforcement badges and IDs reached a plea agreement with federal officials and will be sentenced in June.

Brian Downey had initially been charged with possession of unregistered firearms and illegal possession of federal badges, identification cards, and other insignia.

He still faces local charges in connection with the case.

His house was raided in Sept. 2, 2021, as a result of an investigation into the purchasing of illegal gun parts by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Service Inspectors.

SEE:

• Airmont Official Accused Of Illegal Weapons Arsenal
• Feds Charge Arrested Airmont Official Over IDs, Badges

The Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York accepted a guilty plea from Downey in December to one count of possession of unregistered firearms.

A copy of the agreement was obtained by The Journal News. In it, prosecutors calculated that under the sentencing guidelines, Downey faces to 18-24 months in prison and a possible fine of $7,500 to $10,000.

The federal conviction automatically removed him from office. He is expected to enter a plea on the state charges Feb. 28, lohud.com reported.