More than 100 weapons were seized and 11 persons were arrested last 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, Jan. 25, at eight locations in Westchester and Putnam by investigators from county, local and federal law enforcement
agencies. Rifles, handguns, “ghost guns” and high-capacity drum magazines were seized. Some of the weapons lacked a serial number—making them
so-called ghost guns—and other weapons had defaced serial numbers.
Several silencers, ballistic vests, counterfeit police shields and quantities of ammunition were also seized in the probe, 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.
“As we prepare to pay our final respects to Officer Jason Rivera and his partner Officer Wilbert Mora next week, we are reminded of the dang ers of
illegal guns, not just in New York City,” County Executive George Latimer said on Jan .27. “This proactive, collaborative effort brings together law enforcement
and prosecutorial leaders beyond Westchester to combat the distribution and purchase of illegal guns. 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 successsful investigation. “Working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners is a critical way we keep Westchester safe,” Gleason said.
The investigation was launched in June 2021 when police departments in Westchester, along with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and
the FBI, created a task force to address an influx of ghost guns and other illegal firearms into the Westchester County region. Detectives in the multi-agency Real Time Crime Center, RTC, were tasked with finding innovative ways to reduce gun crimes and prevent violence.
These detectives were assisted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, NYPD, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockland County DA’s office.
Prosecutors from 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.
The following is a list of the persons arrested and the agency lodging the charges, which are felonies:
New Rochelle police
Juan Sanchez, 28, of 81 Highland Ave., New Rochelle
• 3 Counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree (Loaded Firearm)
• 3 Counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree (Disguised Gun)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree
• 40 Counts Unlawful Possession Ammo Feed Device
• 4 Counts Criminal Possession Weapon third degree (Silencer)
Harrison police
John Pittelli, 35, of 242 Freemont St., Harrison.
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree (Ammo)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance fourth degree (Hallucinogen)
North Castle police
Theodore Brois, 67, of 3 Tallwoods Road, North Castle.
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon, first degree (10 or More Weapons)
Helene Brois, 61, of 3 Tallwoods Road, North Castle
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
Brandon Brois, 24, of 3 Tallwoods Road, North Castle
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree
Westchester County police
Christopher Canzone, 49, of 1700 Baptist Church Road, Yorktown
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon first degree (10 or more Firearms)
Yorktown police
Rogers Singleton, 40, of 2191 Crompond Road, Yorktown.
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance fourth degree
Putnam County Sheriff’s Department
Jacob Rockover, 22, of 170 Dykeman Road, Carmel
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree (assault rifle)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree (ammo clip)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon (three or more)
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
David Goldberg, 24, of 90 Bullethole Road, Carmel
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon first degree (10 or more)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree (assault rifle)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon third degree (ammo clip)
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
Andrew Lopez, 36, of 189 Fair St., Carmel
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon second degree (Loaded Firearm)
FBI Safe Streets Task Force/ Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
Adam DiMaggio, 43, of 92 Lincoln Drive, Carmel
• Unlawful Possession or Receipt of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Prohibited Person (Federal Charge)
