New Jersey

Ex-Wife Comes to Court to Support LI Doctor Who Allegedly Threatened to Kill Her

Matthew Bonanno is simply a gun enthusiast and poses no threat to the public, his lawyer has said

What to Know

  • Cops investigating a report that a Westchester man threatened his estranged wife and family allegedly found a huge weapons stash in his car
  • Among the items police say were recovered from Michael Bonanno's vehicle: assault rifles, handguns, ballistic helmet, body armor and more
  • He has two known residences -- investigators say they found another arsenal at his home in Nassau County; he's expected to face more charges

In a surprising turn, the ex-wife of a Long Island plastic surgeon who allegedly threatened to kill her and had an arsenal of weapons came to court on Wednesday — in support of her ex husband.

A judge set bail at $100,000 cash or $500,000 bond for 47-year-old Matthew Bonnano, who prosecutors say allegedly had a boatload of weapons in his car and another arsenal in his second home on Long Island -- discoveries made as cops investigated a report he had threatened his estranged wife and family.

The Westchester man had not made bail as of early Wednesday afternoon. His case may go to a grand jury on Friday, which could mean indictment on more charges. His lawyer, Paul Gentile, wouldn't discuss the specific allegations but told the Journal News he thought the case was "completely out of proportion."

Gentile also said his client is simply a gun enthusiast who poses no threat to the public. 

Gentile also said that Bonanno's wife reached out to him directly to tell him there was no basis to the claim he had threatened to kill her.

Bonanno's alleged car cache was discovered last week by police investigating a report he had threatened his estranged wife and her family. Later, police executing a search warrant at his second home in Great Neck found another seven rifles, two shotguns, two handguns, brass knuckles and several thousand rounds of ammunition, a law enforcement source told News 4 Thursday. Three unlicensed guns were allegedly found at his primary home in Mount Pleasant. 

Bonanno has a past order of protection involving his wife, though it wasn't clear if that remained in effect Wednesday. He also has a prior run-in with the law for alleged drinking and driving. 

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