Syosset Man Who Posed as Federal Air Marshal Faces 51-Count Indictment: DA

A 49-year-old Syosset man accused of posing as a federal air marshal and possessing several weapons in December was arraigned Tuesday on a 51-count grand jury indictment.

Mark Vicars could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of the following grand jury charges:

• Four counts of second degree criminal possession of a weapon.
• 11 counts of third degree criminal possession of a weapon.
• Two counts of second degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
• Seven counts of criminal possession of a firearm.
• 24 counts of fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon.
• Second degree criminal impersonation.
• Failure to stop at a red light.
• Obstruction of a license plate.

“The defendant allegedly stockpiled an arsenal of weapons and ammunitions in his home and pretended to be a federal air marshal,” District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a press release. “The defendant’s alleged charade, however, ended when our partners in law enforcement arrested him and discovered his weapons cache.”

On Thursday, Dec. 3, authorities issued a traffic stop on Vicars’ 2014 Dodge Durango on Jericho Turnpike in Syosset at 7:40 a.m. Police said Vicars activated emergency lights and showed authorities a fraudulent shield and identification credentials that identified him as a federal air marshall.

Vicars was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded .380 pistol and a knife along with several weapons in the back seat:

• A loaded assault rifle
• A ballistic body armor vest
• A tactical vest containing three high capacity magazines

Authorities then obtained a search warrant on Vicars’ home to recover multiple weapons and approximately 8,300 rounds of assorted ammunition, police said.

“Masquerading as a federal agent is a serious charge and my office is taking this case very seriously,” Singas said.

Bail was set at $750,000 cash or $500,000 bond. Vicars is due back in court on Feb. 8.

Image via NCPD