LI Man Who Allegedly Posed As Federal Air Marshal Indicted On Gun Charges

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island man who allegedly posed as a federal air marshal after being pulled over with an assault weapon, ammunition and body armor in his car has been charged in a 51-count grand jury indictment.

Special Investigation Squad detectives were involved in a joint investigation with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Transportation Security Administration when they pulled Mark Vicars over on Jericho Turnpike at around 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2015, authorities said. Investigators said he turned on his emergency lights, and proceeded to produce a fake shield and credential when he was stopped.

Police found a knife, a loaded pistol, a loaded assault rifle, body armor and a tactical vest with three high-capacity magazines in his car when he was pulled over, authorities said.

Prosecutors say Mark Vicars also allegedly had another 8,300 rounds of ammunition and other weapons in his Syosset home.

Vicars pleaded not guilty Tuesday to weapons possession, criminal impersonation and other charges.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Meryl Berkowitz set bail at $750,000 or $500,000 bond.

Vicars could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges. His attorney did not immediately return a call for comment.

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