Larchmont PD in Multi-Agency Drug Sweep; Ringleader Dead in Bronx Shootout

by Judy Silberstein

(December 7, 2005) Three members of the Larchmont police force took part in “Operation Drugfellas” that had local, county, state, federal and New York City law enforcement fanning out across Westchester and the Bronx on Tuesday, December 6 to execute 20 search warrants and make arrests in a drug ring alleged to have sold more than $1 million worth of cocaine during the past 5 months. The suspected ringleader, 29-year-old Michael “Chunk” Londonio, was killed in an early morning shootout at his home in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx that also left two NY State troopers with non-lethal injuries, according to an announcement from Westchester District Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office.

The drug sales are alleged to have occurred across the county, including one in the Village of Larchmont in August. According to Lt. Walter Burke of the Larchmont Police Department, the Larchmont police were alerted by Westchester DA investigators that a suspected “drug carrier” would be making a sale to an employee in a local restaurant. Detective Sgt. William Walsh and Detective James Cristiano observed a cocaine sale and later arrested the purchaser (whose name and employer were not released). So as not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation, the seller, 22-year-old Mark “Choda” Fiore, was not detained.

This Tuesday, the same two detectives along with Lt. Burke, members of the DA’s task force, a NY State trooper and a NYC police officer converged on Mr. Fiore’s Bronx home and were able to arrest the suspect without incident. “Choda was playing computer games at 6 am in his mother’s apartment” when the police appeared, reported Detective Sgt. Walsh.

Why so much law enforcement to pick up one drug seller? “We didn’t know what we would encounter,” said Lt. Burke. “So we went with enough personnel to ensure a safe, effective arrest.” Given the shootout that occurred just a few blocks from where the Larchmont officers were operating, the precaution appears to have been well-taken. “Dealing with how serious the charges were, I‘m surprised there was only one incident of gunfire,” said Larchmont’s Detective Sgt. Walsh. “They‘re facing some significant jail sentences,” he pointed out.

The DA's office commended the Larchmont police for their assistance and Larchmont Police Chief Steve Rubeo noted “they did an outstanding job.” He singled out Detectives Walsh and Christiano for their “diligent efforts in working hand and hand with the Westchester County Drug Initiative Task Force."

According to a Journal News account, the shooting at Mr. Londonio’s home began when the suspect exited his bedroom firing a revolver. NY State Trooper Peter Verdesi was hit in the leg, and Trooper Mark Ennis escaped serious injury when bullets were deflected from his protective vest and helmet. The Larchmont police were issued similar protective gear, according to Chief Rubeo.

News of drug sales in an affluent suburban setting such as Larchmont may take some residents by surprise. But Chief Rubeo commented, “We’re no different from any other community. Drugs are prevalent throughout our society and drug dealers tend to gravitate towards establishments with late-night hours and a 20- to 30-year-old clientele.”

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