New York, NY – More than 200 gun permits issued by three NYPD officers who are accused of taking bribes in exchange for gun licenses have come under scrutiny, with gun owners instructed to surrender any firearms in their possession to police while the investigation continues.
As previously reported on TOT News, Deputy Inspector Michael Endall, Sergeant David Villanueva and Officer Richard Ochetal of the NYPD’s licensing division were all reassigned for having provided former Brooklyn resident Shaya Lichtenstein with gun permits for $6,000 each.
Shaya Lichtenstein allegedly sold the permits to individuals at a significant profit without performing the requisite background checks.
According to a CBS report, six guns and licenses issued by the three officers have already been revoked, with eleven more expected this week.
Police commissioner Bill Bratton said that those actions were based on missing paperwork and not criminal concerns.
Bratton said that the investigation is currently focusing on 246 permits issued by the three officers.
Shaya Lichtenstein, who was arrested on April 18 and charged with bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, is estimated to have been involved with 150 gun permits.
As reported Monday by TOT News, that all of the permit holders in question were notified by mail that the NYPD was suspending their licenses because of the ongoing investigation, which is being headed by Inspector Terence Moore of the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Permit owners were advised that failure to surrender their license and firearm will result in a home visit from the police.
NEW YORK — Separate federal investigations have put both the NYPD and New York City’s mayor on the defensive Tuesday.
During a news conference, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton defended his department regarding the corruption investigation, and Mayor Bill de Blasio faced questions about subpoenas to his aides over fundraising.
“Things were done legally and appropriately,” de Blasio said.
Bratton insisted the allegations are not widespread, as the shakeup at the NYPD continues.
“This is not the Knapp days all over again,” Bratton said.
The commissioner confirmed Tuesday that Internal Affairs Inspector Terence Moore will head the department’s handgun division, following the arrest of Brooklyn businessman Shay Lichtenstein on bribery charges.
Prosecutors said Lichtenstein made thousands brokering gun licenses through his connections to an officer and a sergeant. They, along with the division’s commanding officer, have been transferred.
The commissioner also confirmed that roughly 250 permits are under review. Of those, 17 were either revoked or are about to be revoked.
Five other NYPD commanders with ties to South Brooklyn businessmen have already been transferred.
As for the mayor’s own Brooklyn connection, de Blasio said every campaign dollar was legally raised – including donations intended to help democrats for state office.
“I don’t think there’s anything unusual. That’s normal,” de Blasio said.