Detective in Staten Island charged with falsifying police records in a case of misconduct.
A New York City police detective, Anthony J. Sciortino, was recently arrested for possessing an array of unregistered firearms, including ghost guns, which are guns without serial numbers that can be assembled by unlicensed individuals. The 13-year NYPD veteran faces 17 charges, including manufacturing dangerous weapons, official misconduct, and tampering with public records. Despite pleading not guilty, he has been suspended from his position at the 120th Precinct on Staten Island.
The indictment reveals that over a four-year period, Mr. Sciortino acquired 19 firearms, four of which were ghost guns. He failed to report these weapons to the Police Department as required, and is also accused of accessing personnel records improperly and providing false information in reports. His case adds to the challenges facing the NYPD, with recent leadership changes and ongoing federal investigations.
Mayor Eric Adams appointed Jessica S. Tisch as the new head of the department following the resignation of Edward A. Caban and the interim appointment of Thomas Donlon. The NYPD is dealing with a shrinking police force, rising crime rates, and criticism from a federal judge regarding the handling of stop-and-frisk incidents. Ms. Tisch faces the task of addressing these issues and restoring public trust in the police force.
The arrest of Detective Sciortino underscores the importance of upholding the law and maintaining transparency within law enforcement agencies. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or rank. The case also highlights the need for thorough background checks and monitoring of officers to prevent misconduct and ensure accountability.
Source: The NY Times
