Great Neck resident Matthew Bonanno, 47, was arraigned on a 53-count indictment for criminal possession of weapons found in Tuckahoe last month. He appeared in Westchester County Court on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to enter the plea.
Bonanno is charged with 11 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon related to assault rifles found in his possession; 38 counts of third-degree grand larceny related to illegal high-capacity magazines and ammunition that were seized and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon for possessing metal knuckles.
Police were contacted by acquaintances of the plastic surgeon on Monday, Aug. 12, who overheard the threats against Bonanno's estranged wife and her family, and when they intervened, he was found with an illegal Glock and an arsenal in his BMW.
When officers responded to Growler’s Beer Bistro, they found the surgeon, who was armed, which led to a search of his vehicle, leading to the seizure of:
- Five fully-loaded assault rifles with high-capacity magazines;
- Three handguns;
- 29 high-capacity loaded magazines;
- More than 1,600 rounds of ammunition;
- Stun gun;
- Heavy ballistic body armor;
- Ballistic helmet;
- Handcuffs;
- Full head cover face masks;
- Multiple military-style knives;
- Four brass knuckles;
- Pepper spray fogger;
- Scopes, binoculars and other paraphernalia.
Investigators said that they searched a residence of Bonnano’s in Mount Pleasant, where more weapons were recovered. Other weapons, including assault rifles, were also seized at his Long Island home.
Charges against Bonanno are still pending in Nassau County. Check Daily Voice for updates.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Eastchester and receive free news updates.