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This story has been updated to include a statement made by the Westchester County Police Commissioner, George Longworth.
THORNWOOD, N.Y. Neighbors of Michael Brady, a Westchester County police officer arrested for conspiracy to distribute the prescription painkiller oxycodone, were shocked to hear the charges and did not suspect him to be involved in illegal activity.
"I never would have imagined something like this would happen with him, it just doesn't line up with his character," said Greg Donahoe, Brady's neighbor of two years. "It almost makes me want to think that there must be some kind of mistake."
As reported by The Daily Stamford, Brady was one of 16 people arrested in an investigation by federal authorities and the Stamford Police Department, and announced at a news conference Tuesday by U.S. Attorney David B. Fein. The Thornwood resident is accused of taking $20,000 in cash and gift cards for allowing the traffickers to move the drugs from Florida through Westchester County Airport, where he was stationed. The drugs were then distributed throughout various locations in Connecticut.
The Westchester County Police Commissioner, George Longworth, released a statement Tuesday saying that Brady has been suspended without pay after his arrest.
"It is very troubling whenever a member of law enforcement is alleged to have crossed the line and violated the publics trust. These allegations are of great concern to the all the men and women of our Department who conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism each day," Longworth said in the statement.
John Cavallaro, a longtime neighbor of Brady's on Glen Forest Street, could not believe the charges and said Brady helped him after he suffered a stroke.
"This is a big surprise he's a very nice guy," Cavallaro said. "He seemed totally fine, I would almost see him every day and he always was very helpful with whatever I needed."
Cavallaro noted that Brady went through a divorce last winter but said he had no knowledge of him suffering any financial difficulties.
Donahoe said that Brady was not the type of person to keep information to himself. "It wasn't even like he was a real shady person and you didn't really know much about him," Donahoe said. "He's a real easy, outgoing guy and he's got a great sense of humor. This is all just shocking to me." Donahoe said his two granddaughters even refer to Brady as "their buddy Mike."
No one answered knocks made on the door of Brady's residence. His lawyer could not be located.
To reach Robert Michelin, email rmichelin@thedailymountpleasant.com.
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