NY Detective Accused of Funneling Guns to Violent Gang

Newly promoted officer charged in 18-person indictment for allegedly selling firearms to members of Long Island's '48 Gang'

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:05am

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A newly promoted Westchester detective named Kyren Braunskill, 34, has been arrested and charged as part of an 18-person indictment for allegedly funneling guns to members and associates of the notorious '48 Gang' on Long Island. The guns were used in a string of murders, armed robberies, and other violent crimes. Braunskill, who was just hired by the Mount Vernon Police Department a week before his arrest, is accused of selling a 9mm Ruger pistol to a high-ranking '48 Gang' member and plotting additional gun sales with other gang members in 2021 and 2022.

Why it matters

This case highlights the concerning issue of corrupt law enforcement officials abusing their positions of power to illegally supply firearms to violent criminal organizations. It raises questions about the vetting and hiring practices of police departments, as well as the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to prosecutors, Braunskill allegedly sold a 9mm Ruger pistol to a high-ranking member of the '48 Gang' in early 2021. He is also accused of plotting gun buys with an indicted thug named Nickomas Allen and a member of another syndicate in March 2021. In 2022, Braunskill repeatedly offered to sell multiple firearms to a senior '48 Gang' operative named Jayvonte Nash, with his last offer coming just three days before he was hired by the Mount Vernon Police Department.

  • In early 2021, Braunskill allegedly sold a 9mm Ruger pistol to a high-ranking '48 Gang' member.
  • In March 2021, Braunskill allegedly plotted gun buys with an indicted thug named Nickomas Allen and a member of another syndicate.
  • In 2022, Braunskill repeatedly offered to sell multiple firearms to a senior '48 Gang' operative named Jayvonte Nash, with his last offer coming on December 25, 2022 - just three days before he was hired by the Mount Vernon Police Department.

The players

Kyren Braunskill

A 34-year-old Westchester detective who was recently hired by the Mount Vernon Police Department and is accused of funneling guns to members of the '48 Gang' on Long Island.

Nickomas Allen

An indicted thug who Braunskill allegedly plotted gun buys with in March 2021.

Jayvonte Nash

A senior member of the '48 Gang' who Braunskill allegedly offered to sell multiple firearms to in 2022.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

The district attorney who is scheduled to hold a press conference to provide additional information on the sweeping indictment.

Mount Vernon Police Department

The police department that hired Braunskill a week before his arrest and has stated they will review their hiring and vetting practices in light of these allegations.

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What they’re saying

“A pre-employment background investigation was conducted in accordance with department procedures, and no findings were returned. Based on the information available at that time, the decision was made to proceed with his employment. In light of these developments, the Mount Vernon Police Department will review its hiring and vetting practices to ensure they meet the highest standards.”

— Mount Vernon Police Department

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 15 whether to allow Braunskill to remain released on supervision with GPS monitoring or to revoke his bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for police departments to thoroughly vet and scrutinize potential hires, especially those with prior disciplinary issues, to prevent corrupt officers from infiltrating law enforcement and abusing their positions of power. It also underscores the importance of strong oversight and accountability measures to swiftly identify and remove officers engaged in criminal activities.