Coordinated, 2-State Sting Leads To Cache Of Illegal Assault-Style Rifles, Ghost Guns, Drugs

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A multi-jurisdiction operation led to illegal weapons and drugs, according to prosecutors in Westchester County.

District Attorney Susan Cacace announced the seizure of 22 ghost guns (including 2 assault-style rifles), 3 serialized firearms, multiple large-capacity magazines, and 6 oz. of cocaine in a sting operation led by her Criminal Investigators Squad, and conducted in partnership with the FBI's Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and the Greenwich Police Department.

"The unheralded work of public safety is the gunshot wound that doesn't exist, the overdose that can't occur and the drug deal that never happens," Cacace said. "This week's operation is only a small glimpse behind the scenes, exemplifying the thankless, dedicated investigative work undertaken by my Criminal Investigators Squad, in conjunction with our federal and state counterparts, every single day to root out illegal guns and drugs. Notwithstanding the County's reduction in our public safety funding, I am committed to ensuring Westchester remains a safe place to live, for each of our 48 communities."

Following the raids, 49-year-old Michael Larriuz, of Greenwich, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with one felony count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, one felony count of criminal sale of a firearm, and five felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

"Ghost guns and illicit drugs present a growing danger to the public, and operations like this one demonstrate the FBI's shared commitment to removing drugs and guns from the streets of New York," FBI NY Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. said. "The arrest of Michael Larriuz on both drug and illegal gun charges is a clear example of the dangerous criminal activity these joint enforcement efforts are designed to disrupt. We will continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard our neighborhoods and hold those who threaten community safety accountable."

Larriuz was arraigned in White Plains, where bail was set at $100,000 cash/$250,000 bond/$500,000 partially secured bond.

"We are proud to have worked closely with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation," Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess said. "This case highlights the strength of interagency collaboration and demonstrates how law enforcement partnerships are essential to protecting our communities and ensuring those who commit these crimes are held accountable."