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
A defense lawyer for the 47-year-old plastic surgeon from Westchester who allegedly had a boatload of weapons in his car and another arsenal in his second home on Long Island says his client simply likes guns and isn't a public threat.
Lawyer Paul Gentile spoke with some news outlets Thursday about the case against Dr. Matthew Bonanno. Gentile wouldn't discuss the specific allegations but told the Journal News he thinks the case is "completely out of proportion."
He told Newsday, separately, that Bonanno just enjoys guns and hunting.
Bonanno is jailed without bail on a litany of weapons charges. His alleged car cache was discovered earlier this week by police investigating a report he had threatened his estranged wife and 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 Friday. He also has a prior run-in with the law for alleged drinking and driving. He's due back in court next week.
