100+ Firearms Seized Following Ghost Gun Investigation

WHITE PLAINS, NY — More than 100 weapons were seized and 11 people were arrested this week following a six-month, multi-agency investigation into ghost guns and other illegal firearms in Westchester and Putnam counties.

Search warrants were executed Tuesday at eight locations in Westchester and Putnam by investigators from county, local and federal law enforcement agencies, according to a news release.

Rifles, handguns, ghost guns and high-capacity drum magazines were seized.

Authorities said some of the weapons lacked serial numbers — making them so-called ghost guns because they are untraceable — and other weapons had defaced serial numbers.

Several silencers, ballistic vests, counterfeit police shields and quantities of ammunition were also seized in the probe, which was dubbed Operation Casper by investigators.

The high-capacity drum magazines that were seized are of a similar type to the one used in the murders of two New York City police officers last week, officials said.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, as the region prepares to pay final respects to Officer Jason Rivera and Officer Wilbert Mora, residents of Putnam and Westchester are reminded of the dangers of illegal guns, not just in New York City.

“This proactive, collaborative effort brings together law enforcement and prosecutorial leaders beyond Westchester to combat the distribution and purchase of illegal guns," he said. "It is our moral responsibility to work together to reduce the availability of these weapons and keep our communities safe.”

Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason thanked all the agencies with personnel assigned to the Real Time Crime Center for their roles in the successful investigation.

“Working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners is a critical way we keep Westchester safe,” he said.

The investigation was launched in June 2021 when police departments in Westchester, along with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, created a task force to address an influx of ghost guns and other illegal firearms into the Westchester County region, according to a spokesman. Detectives in the multi-agency Real Time Crime Center had the responsibility of finding innovative ways to reduce gun crimes and prevent violence.

Those detectives were assisted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, New York City Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockland County District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Southern District of New York provided guidance and case support as specific targets and locations were identified.

Watch the news conference below:

The following is a list of the persons arrested and the agency lodging the charges, which are all felonies:

North Castle Police Department

Theodore Brois, 67, North Castle

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon, 10 or more

Helene Brois, 61, North Castle

• Criminal possession of a firearm

Brandon Brois, 24, North Castle

• Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon

New Rochelle Police Department

Juan Sanchez, 28, New Rochelle

• Three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, loaded firearm
• Three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, disguised gun
• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• 40 counts of unlawful possession, ammo feed device
• Four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, silencer

Harrison Police Department

John Pittelli, 35, Harrison

• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, ammo
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, hallucinogen

Westchester County Police

Christopher Canzone, 49, Yorktown

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon, 10 or more

Yorktown Police Department

Rogers Singleton, 40, Yorktown

• Criminal possession of a firearm
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Putnam County Sheriff’s Department

Jacob Rockover, 22, Carmel

• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, assault rifle
• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, ammo clip
• Criminal possession of a weapon, three or more
• Criminal possession of a firearm

David Goldberg, 24, Carmel

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon, 10 ten or more
• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, assault rifle
• Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, ammo clip
• Criminal possession of a firearm

Andrew Lopez, 36, Carmel

• Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, loaded firearm

FBI Safe Streets Task Force/Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

Adam DiMaggio, 43, Carmel

• Unlawful possession or receipt of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person, federal charge