A shocking case in New York has raised serious concerns about police oversight after a newly promoted detective was arrested for allegedly supplying guns to gang members.
Detective Arrested in Major Gun Trafficking Case
A Westchester detective, Kyren Braunskill, has been arrested in connection with a large criminal indictment involving illegal firearms.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Braunskill is one of 18 individuals charged in a case linked to a gang known as the “48 Gang” in Riverhead, Long Island.
Allegations of Supplying Weapons to Gang Members
Prosecutors say Braunskill allegedly sold firearms to gang members, including a 9mm pistol in early 2021. Authorities believe these weapons were later used in multiple violent crimes.
The gang is reportedly connected to:
- Two murders
- Eight armed robberies
- Five shootings
- Possession of multiple illegal firearms
Officials say Braunskill also discussed additional gun deals with gang associates over time.
Timeline Raises Serious Concerns
Investigators claim that some of the alleged gun dealings happened before Braunskill joined the Mount Vernon Police Department in 2022. However, his last known offer to sell weapons reportedly came just days before he was hired and shortly before attending the police academy.
Despite this, he was later promoted to detective — only to be arrested one week after that promotion.
Additional Charges Filed
In addition to conspiracy, Braunskill is also facing charges related to attempted grand larceny and possession of a forged instrument. These charges stem from an earlier incident involving a fraudulent check.
Past Employment Issues Revealed
Reports indicate that Braunskill had previously been terminated from a corrections officer position and was listed for decertification before joining the police force.
This has raised questions about how he passed the hiring process.
Police Department Responds
The Mount Vernon Police Department has placed Braunskill on suspension and stated that it will review its hiring and background-check procedures.
Officials said no issues were found during the initial background check but acknowledged the seriousness of the new allegations.
Court Proceedings Underway
Braunskill has pleaded not guilty and has been released under supervision with GPS monitoring. He is expected to return to court on April 15 as the case continues.
