Originally Posted - July 31, 2006

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WEST ISLIP---Two men are in custody after being arrested on weapons possession charges after a search of their homes in West Islip and Queens turned up over 100 guns, including illegal assault weapons and a grenade launcher.

Suffolk police DA squad detectives assisted by New York State police investigators confiscated over 50 guns from Gregory Brozski's two-story Bayside, Queens apartment last week. Among the guns seized from Brozski's arsenal were four AK-47 assault rifles, four UZI submachine guns, eight AR 15 semi-automatic rifles and the grenade launcher.

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said the 56-year-old Brozski, and his codefendant, 46 year old John Acompora of 59 Penney St., West Islip, have been charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The district attorney, joined at a Hauppauge press conference by state criminal justice director Chauncey G. Parker and State Police Troop L Commander Major Walter Heesch, said investigations of illegal gun trafficking will be funded by "Operation Impact", a statewide crime prevention program.

DA Squad detectives recovered more than 50 assault rifles, machine pistols and ammo from John Acompora's home and 1995 minivan. Spota said Acompora had 16 assault rifles, including six AK-47's, stored in his basement and in an unlocked backyard tool shed. Detectives also recovered two Smith and Wesson .44 caliber magnum revolvers with defaced serial numbers from Acompora's residence.

"Governor Pataki created Operation IMPACT to help build the framework for a locally-led crime fighting partnership where local, State and federal law enforcement officers come together and develop crime reduction strategies to make the people of this State as safe as possible. Today, here in Suffolk County, we see just how successful Operation IMPACT partnerships can be", Parker said.

This year, Suffolk County will be receiving more than $1 million in funding for their IMPACT operations.

The duo pleaded not guilty at their arraignments in district court. Acompora is free on $5,000 cash bail. Brozski was released on his own recognizance. 7-31-06

© 2006 North Country Gazette