Great Neck resident Matthew Bonanno, 47, was arraigned on a 53-count indictment for criminal possession of weapons found in Tuckahoe in August. Two weeks ago, after appealing to have his bail reduced to $70,000, he was released, though he has found his freedom uncomfortable.
According to multiple reports, Bonanno was back in Westchester County Court on Tuesday, Dec. 10, where his lawyers sought to have his court case moved to Bronx County Court, and to have his ankle monitor removed so he could exercise.
Bonanno was also arraigned on a 13-count weapons indictment in Nassau County last month. He pleaded not guilty. Bonanno is scheduled to appear back in court on Jan. 28 next year.
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.
Officers responded to Growler’s Beer Bistro, where they found Bonanno, who was armed, prompting them to search his vehicle, where they found:
- 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 also recovered weapons at a residence of Bonanno's in Mount Pleasant and from his Long Island home.
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