Kyren Braunskill, 34, who was promoted to detective just days earlier, was arrested Thursday, March 26, following the unsealing of an indictment in Suffolk County Court, according to reporting by The Journal News/lohud.
Braunskill is charged with fourth-degree conspiracy, as well as attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument. He has pleaded not guilty and was released under supervision with GPS monitoring. He is due back in court on April 15, lohud reported.
The outlet also said that Braunskill was involved in providing firearms to members of the “48 Gang” in Riverhead, according to the indictment, which outlines alleged activity between 2021 and 2022. This included the sale of a 9mm pistol and multiple offers to sell additional guns through electronic messages, according to the report.
He is not accused of the indictment’s most serious charges, which include murders and armed robberies tied to other defendants.
In a statement released Thursday, March 26, the Mount Vernon Police Department acknowledged the indictment and said the allegations date back to before Braunskill joined the force.
"The news of Detective Braunskill’s indictment is disappointing, however, the allegations precede his employment with the city," the department said.
Officials added that a background check conducted at the time of his hiring revealed no issues.
"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," the statement continued.
The department also said it will now re-examine its hiring protocols.
According to lohud, Braunskill had previously been on a state decertification list after being terminated as a probationary corrections officer in 2020. He was hired by Mount Vernon Police in late 2022.
As recently as Wednesday, March 19, Braunskill had been formally designated as a detective during a department promotion ceremony. In September 2024, the department also named him “Cop of the Month,” citing his role in life-saving efforts and firearm-related arrests.
Daily Voice has reached out to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for more information. Check back for updates.
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