David Afanador was drinking alcohol on a beach and fired several shots into the ocean
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a former New York City Police Officer was sentenced today to up to four years in prison for firing several shots into the ocean in Long Beach, from a weapon that was in his possession illegally, in March 2021.
David Afanador, 41, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Bogle on March 22, 2022, to a charge of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (an E felony). The defendant was sentenced today to 1 1/3 – 4 years in prison.
“This defendant knew he could not legally possess a firearm, but still made the decision to drink with friends on a beach and recklessly fire a loaded gun several times into the ocean,” said DA Donnelly. “Afanador’s behavior was foolish, dangerous, and illegal. We hope that his sentence sends a message to anyone thinking about illegally discharging a weapon in Nassau County in the name of fun.”
DA Donnelly said that on March 21, 2021, Long Beach Police Department Officers responded to a call of several shots fired near Franklin Boulevard and Ocean Beach Park. When police arrived, they saw the defendant, standing with three other people, holding an open can of spiked seltzer with a 9mm Beretta pistol in his holster and two loaded magazines.
When the defendant was asked to produce identification, Afanador handed officers a NYPD Officer Identification card and a driver’s license. Afanador’s NYPD ID card was clearly marked “No Firearms.”
Seven spent 9mm shell casings were recovered from the sand around Afanador.
Afanador was arrested by LBPD on March 21, 2021.
A co-defendant in the case, Jennifer Sonnick, of Long Beach, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony) and Prohibited Use of a Weapon (an A misdemeanor). Sonnick’s case is pending.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tova Simpson and Brian Rodriguez of the Narcotics, Firearms, and Gangs Bureau. The defendant is represented by Edward Sapone, Esq.
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