Foil: Your right to Know.
“Village Deputy Mayor Brian Downey has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of illegally possessing an unregistered firearm he obtained by mail in 2021, ending his tenure on the Board of Trustees.
The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office said it seized these guns from the home of Airmont Deputy Mayor Brian Downey. Photo / Rockland District Attorney’s Office
Downey potentially faces 18 to 24 months in federal prison under the plea agreement he signed with federal prosecutors. His sentencing is scheduled for June 1. The Journal-News/lohud obtained the agreement on Friday from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District.
“Based upon the calculations set forth above, the defendant’s stipulated Guidelines range is 18 to 24 months’ imprisonment (the “Stipulated Guidelines Range”),” according to the plea agreement. “In addition, after determining the defendant’s ability to pay, the Court may impose a fine … At Guidelines level 15, the applicable fine range is $7,500 to $10,000.”
Downey’s attorney and prosecutors can seek a sentence outside the guidelines range, according to the agreement.
U.S. District Court Judge Judge Cathy Seibel will decide Downey’s sentence, scheduled for June 1 at the federal courthouse in White Plains Seibel is not obligated to follow the sentencing guidelines or any recommendations from the prosecutors or the defense attorney.
Downey, a suspended Ramapo deputy building inspector who also worked part-time as a court officer, still faces dozens of state charges in Rockland County Court in New City. He’s scheduled to enter a plea on Feb. 28 before Judge Larry Schwartz.
Downey is not seeking re-election to a second, four-year term in the March 21 village election. A felony conviction automatically removes him from office under the state Public Officers Law. Mayor Nathan Bubel appointed Morris Friedman as Downey’s successor.”
Plea agreement: Brian Downey’s guilty plea to illegal gun possession outlioned.
Federal complaint: Brian Downey charged with illegal possession of weapons
Arrest: What Airmont Deputy Mayor Brian Downey told federal agent during his weapons arrest
Downey and his attorney, Andrew Quinn, didn’t return several attempts at seeking comment on his federal guilty plea and the County Court case. The Rockland District Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
Downey waived indictment and signed a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Feb. 10. He had faced a federal complaint charging him with one count of possession of unregistered firearms and one count of possession of federal badges and identification cards.”
Read the complete Journal News coverage here.
