According to Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, Officer Brandon Hunter-Carney was arrested on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and charged with second-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property—both class C felonies. Investigators allege that in January 2023, Hunter-Carney obtained a stolen check for $800,160, originally issued to an Alabama-based company. Just days earlier, he allegedly created a New York business with the exact same name—Electric Controls and Systems Inc.—listing himself as the sole incorporator.
Prosecutors say he then deposited the stolen check into a bank account tied to that newly formed company, effectively diverting the funds. Hunter-Carney was arraigned in Mount Vernon City Court and released without bail, as the charges are not bail-eligible under New York law. He is scheduled to return to court on May 13.
Officer Hunter-Carney has been employed by the Mount Vernon Police Department since July 5, 2024. After graduating from the Westchester County/Zone 3 Police Academy in December 2024, he was assigned to the Patrol Division as a patrol officer.
The charges that he was arrested for were as a result of alleged actions he took prior to becoming a Mount Vernon Police Officer. There is no allegation that Hunter-Carney was involved in any criminal activity since he has been a police officer. The Department did not know about this activity before his hiring in July 2024.
DA Cacace slammed the alleged scheme as a “brazen check-fraud” and a “serious breach of trust,” emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” The case remains under investigation.
The charges are serious. Officer Hunter-Carney has been suspended without pay. As a permanent civil service employee, any further disciplinary action will be handled in accordance with the procedures of the Mount Vernon Police Department and the City of Mount Vernon, the department said in a statement.
Hunter-Carney has no disciplinary history with the Department. The Mount Vernon Police Department says the hold all officers and employees to high professional standards. Conduct of this nature will not be tolerated. The Department remains committed to serving the residents and visitors of the City of Mount Vernon with professionalism and integrity.
The MVPD states they continue to review their policies, hiring background investigation practices, and Internal Affairs follow-up procedures for potential and current employees.
Stay tuned for more on this developing story…
