Additional Coverage:
A New York state trooper is facing criminal charges for allegedly faking a shooting incident last October. 27-year-old Thomas Mascia surrendered to Nassau County police Monday morning.
He’s charged with official misconduct, falsely reporting a crime, and tampering with evidence. District Attorney Anne Donnelly stated Mascia could face one to three years in prison. She called his alleged deception “unconscionable.”
Donnelly said Mascia understood the fear his actions would cause and proceeded anyway.
Mascia’s parents, Dorothy and Thomas, were also arrested Monday. They face charges of criminal possession of a firearm.
The gun in question was not involved in the shooting. However, Donnelly explained that Mascia’s father is a convicted felon, prohibiting him from owning any firearms.
The gun used in the shooting was matched to one owned by Mascia himself. Officials confirmed it was not his service weapon. Nearly $800,000 was also found at the family’s home.
All three individuals were released on their own recognizance.
Mascia initially reported being shot while on duty in Hempstead on October 30. He claimed he was shot by someone in a black Dodge Charger.
However, investigators now allege Mascia staged the scene, planting shell casings hours beforehand. He then allegedly shot himself in the leg elsewhere before returning to the staged location on the Southern State Parkway.
The incident caused a temporary shutdown of the parkway as police searched for non-existent suspects. This, according to the complaint, caused significant public alarm and inconvenience.
The complaint alleges Mascia staged the shooting to garner attention and sympathy. Mascia’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 5th.