A former Yonkers Police veteran pleaded guilty to attempting to fraudulently purchase a firearm in Mount Vernon.
According to the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, Sanjay Richards, a 42-year-old resident of Yonkers, entered a guilty plea in court this week to possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.
The charges stem from a September 30th, 2020 incident in which Richards, then a six-year veteran officer with Yonkers Police, tried to purchase a gun from a firearms retailer. When he failed to disclose the portion of his police identification card that shows a “no firearms” restriction, he effectively produced an illegally forged instrument.
Richard had received the restriction on his identification and was prohibited from possessing a firearm after an incident that occurred when he was off-duty in another jurisdiction.
Chastised by Mayor Spano and Commissioner Mueller
Richards’ arrest in 2020 was the result of a joint investigation by Yonkers Police Internal Affairs Division and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Investigations Division Public Integrity Bureau. After being booked in White Plains for the offence, Richards was arraigned in Mount Vernon City Court.
Of the incident, Mayor Spano expressed his concern. “Our Yonkers Police Department operates at a level of integrity and transparency that will not be diminished because of the reckless behavior of a particular officer. No one is above the law,” stated Mayor Spano. “I commend the Department for moving swiftly in weeding out the actions of this officer. I continue to support the many fine men and women of the YPD who serve with respect and honor in their efforts in keeping our community safe.”
Then Police Commissioner John J. Mueller called for swift legal consequences for Richards’ actions at the time.
“No person, regardless of position or title, is above the law, and this officer must now suffer the civil and legal consequences of his alleged behavior.”
Upon his arrest in 2020, Richards was suspended without pay from Yonkers Police Department and released under his own recognizance.
Richards’ admission of guilt is part of a plea deal arrangement which entitles him to be discharged under a three-year conditional sentence.
