New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Westchester District Attorney Jeanine Pirro today announced the arrest of illegal gun dealer Edward Powers, 57, and the seizure of 32 firearms found at his home in Mount Vernon, New York. The arrest was made yesterday at about 3:30 p.m. by members of the NYPD's Bronx Gang Squad and Emergency Services Unit, and with the help of the Mount Vernon Police Department. The arrest occurred during the execution of a search warrant, which was issued by the Westchester District Attorney's office, at the premises of 25 Fletcher Avenue.

Powers is being charged with 32 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and 20 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Commissioner Kelly said: "This criminal was selling guns in New York City, and his arrest marks another success in our on-going effort to get these deadly weapons off our streets. By seizing his cache of illegal firearms, we prevent possibly dozens of other violent crimes. I want to thank the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Westchester District Attorney's office for their help in this case. The officers who participated in this investigation did an outstanding job of gathering evidence and arresting this criminal."

District Attorney Pirro said: "Removing firearms from the hands of criminals is a high priority for law enforcement. This coordinated police effort has resulted in the apprehension of an individual in possession of a significant stash of illegal firearms. We are pleased to have been part of the cooperative effort."

The NYPD's Bronx Gang Squad obtained a search warrant after conducting an investigation into Powers' gun-dealing operations. During the execution of the warrant, police found 32 illegal firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition and clips. They also recovered more than $1,000 in cash.

Powers has an extensive criminal record. He was arrested 10 times between 1964 and 1977 for charges including burglary, DWI, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.